How do I apply for individual health insurance?

You can apply for individual health insurance through HealthCare.gov, your state's Marketplace, an insurance company, or a licensed broker. If you apply through the Marketplace, you'll create an account, provide information about your household and income, compare available plans, choose a plan, and pay your first premium.

What documents do I need to apply for health insurance?

To complete your application, you’ll need your Social Security number, dates of birth, addresses, household and tax information, estimated income, and current health coverage information. The Marketplace may request additional documents later to verify your application information.

Can I buy health insurance directly from an insurance company?

Yes. You can apply for individual health insurance directly through an insurance company or with help from a licensed agent or broker. However, if you may qualify for premium tax credits or other Marketplace savings, compare your options through the Marketplace before purchasing a plan directly.

When can I apply for individual health insurance?

For 2027 Marketplace coverage, HealthCare.gov currently lists Open Enrollment from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. To have coverage start January 1, 2027, enroll by December 15, 2026. If you use a state-based exchange, check your local marketplace website for specific enrollment dates, as they can vary from the federal enrollment window. Outside Open Enrollment, you generally need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Can I use an HRA to pay for individual health insurance?

Yes. If your employer offers a QSEHRA or ICHRA, you can receive tax-free reimbursement for eligible individual health insurance premiums. If your employer is administering your HRA through PeopleKeep, you can shop for individual health insurance directly through your employee dashboard.

When is Open Enrollment for health insurance?

For the 2027 coverage year, Open Enrollment is expected to begin November 1, 2026. December 15 is currently the target deadline to enroll in or change a plan for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. However, enrollment dates remain subject to ongoing legal proceedings, so check your state’s official Marketplace for the latest deadlines.

How do I choose the best health insurance plan?

Start by considering your healthcare needs, preferred doctors and hospitals, prescriptions, and budget. Then compare plans based on more than just the monthly premium. Look at deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, and plan types to determine which option best fits your needs.

Can I change my health insurance plan outside of Open Enrollment?

Generally, you can only enroll in or change an individual health insurance plan outside of Open Enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Qualifying events can include losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving, or receiving a new employer health benefit. Certain other circumstances may also qualify you for an SEP.

How do I choose the right health insurance plan?

Start by considering your healthcare needs, budget, preferred doctors, prescription medications, and how often you expect to use medical care. Then compare each plan's premiums, deductible, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and provider network.

What's the difference between a health plan type and a metal tier?

A health plan type, such as an HMO, PPO, EPO, or POS, describes how you access healthcare and use a plan's provider network. A metal tier, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, describes how you and your insurance company generally split the cost of covered healthcare services.

What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO?

The main difference is flexibility. HMO plans typically require you to use in-network providers and may require referrals to see specialists. PPO plans generally let you see both in-network and out-of-network providers and don't usually require referrals, but you'll typically pay more for that flexibility.

When is Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance coverage?

For most states that use HealthCare.gov, OE is expected to begin on November 1, 2026, and end on January 15, 2027. Some state-based Marketplaces have different enrollment periods, so check your state's official Marketplace for its current deadlines. It's also important to note that OE rules remain subject to ongoing litigation. A proposed federal rule that would have shortened the enrollment period was vacated by a federal court in June 2026 and is currently being appealed. As a result, enrollment deadlines could still change.

Which states have extended Open Enrollment periods?

Several state-based Marketplaces extend OE beyond the standard federal timeline, giving residents additional time to enroll in or change their health coverage. Those states include: California D.C. Massachusetts New Jersey New York Because enrollment dates can change from year to year, always verify your state's OE schedule through its official Marketplace website before enrolling.

What happens if I miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss OE, you may still be able to enroll in health coverage if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). Common qualifying life events include: Losing employer-sponsored health coverage Getting married Having or adopting a child Moving to a new state or ZIP code Becoming eligible for an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) or a qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA) If you don't qualify for an SEP, you'll generally need to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to enroll in Marketplace coverage.

How do I choose the best individual health insurance plan?

The best plan depends on your preferred medical service providers, coverage network, prescription medications, household income, and budget. Having this information ready makes it easier to compare plans and choose coverage that’s right for you so you don’t miss out on necessary healthcare services.

Where can I get help comparing individual health insurance plans?

You can get help through public health insurance marketplaces, licensed insurance brokers, private health exchanges, and healthcare shopping platforms, such as Stride Health and GetInsured. If you have an HRA through PeopleKeep, you can shop for qualified health insurance from your PeopleKeep account. Our in-house benefits advisors are also available if you need help securing coverage for your healthcare needs.

Can I buy individual health insurance outside of Open Enrollment?

Yes, but only in certain circumstances. Outside of the annual Open Enrollment window, you may qualify for a special enrollment period to change or enroll in a new individual health plan if you have a qualifying life event. Eligible events include losing employer coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new state.

Can I use an HRA to pay for an individual health insurance plan?

Yes. If your employer offers a QSEHRA or an ICHRA and their HRA plan documents allow it, you can use your allowance to receive tax-free reimbursement for individual health insurance premiums and other eligible out-of-pocket expenses.

Is it better to buy health insurance through the Marketplace or a private exchange?

It depends on your situation. Public marketplaces allow eligible individuals to apply for federal premium tax credits and other subsidies that can lower the cost of their health insurance plan. On the other hand, private exchanges may offer additional enrollment support, plan comparison tools, and access to supplemental insurance products. There may also be a wider variety of off-exchange products specialized to your needs. However, you can’t apply for premium tax credits or other cost-sharing reductions on a private exchange.

Which states have their own health insurance marketplaces?

States with their own health insurance marketplaces include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Oklahoma will be introducing a state-based exchange starting in 2027 for 2028 coverage.

What is the difference between a state and federal marketplace?

With a state-based exchange, the state controls plan eligibility, enrollment, customer support, enrollment assistance, verifying premium tax credit eligibility, marketing efforts, and creating any state-specific subsidies. They also work directly with carriers to determine which plans are listed on the exchange and any rate increases or decreases. With the federal exchange, the federal government handles this on behalf of the states.

Can I use HealthCare.gov if my state has its own exchange?

You can only use HealthCare.gov if your state has no exchange or if your state hosts its exchange on the federal platform. For 2026 Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage, only Oklahoma and Arkansas have state-based exchanges on the federal platform. Otherwise, if your state has an exchange, you must use your state exchange to shop for coverage. HealthCare.gov will prompt you to visit your state exchange website after you input your ZIP code, so you can always start there.

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