Guide · Life & health insurance

How the ACA Marketplace works

The Marketplace is where you can compare and enroll in individual health plans. Which site you use depends on your state.

5 min read · Last reviewed 2026-10

Your state's marketplace

Choose your state

Select your state to see how this applies where you live.

Your state

The basics

Each state has one official marketplace, run by the state, the federal government, or both. Many states use the federal platform, HealthCare.gov, and a growing number run their own, such as Covered California, NY State of Health and Pennie. CMS lists the state-based exchanges.

When you can enroll

Open enrollment is a period each year when you can buy or change coverage. Dates vary, especially on state-based marketplaces.
A special enrollment period is available after certain life events, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, or having or adopting a child. HealthCare.gov says you usually have 60 days before or after the event.
You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time.

Help paying for coverage

Financial help may be available depending on factors such as income, household size and state, and the rules can change. Check the current rules on your marketplace site before you decide.

A short checklist

Find your state's marketplace and confirm the current enrollment dates.
Gather your household and income information.
Compare plans by total cost, network and covered drugs, not only the premium.
Keep confirmation of your enrollment and your first payment.

Questions

Is HealthCare.gov the same as my state's marketplace?

Not always. In states with their own marketplace, you enroll on the state's site. HealthCare.gov can point you to it.

What if I miss open enrollment?

You may still enroll if you qualify for a special enrollment period. Check the qualifying events on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace.

Sources

Informational only. Rules and policy terms change and differ by state and insurer. Confirm details with your policy, your insurer or your state insurance department.

5 min read

HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plansThe plan type decides which providers you can see and whether you need referrals. It matters as much as the price.

4 min read

How much life insurance do you need?Start with the people who depend on you, then estimate what they would need. This calculator uses a simple, transparent method you can adjust.

5 min read