Last updated: September 6, 2024
This section tells you how to keep your Marketplace coverage once you have it.
After I apply for Marketplace coverage, what happens next?
After you pick a plan on the Marketplace, you must pay your first month’s premium in order for your coverage to take effect. You make this payment to your insurance company, not the Marketplace. You must pay your premium every month to keep your health coverage.
Your health insurance company could end your coverage if you fall behind on your monthly premiums. But before your insurance company can end your coverage, you have a short period of time to pay called a “grace period.”
What will my insurance card look like?
After you enroll, your insurance company should send you a welcome packet and an insurance card. You will need this card whenever you go to a doctor. If you need to see a doctor before your card arrives, call your insurance company.
Contact your insurance company if you have any questions or need more information.
Here is an example of what an insurance card looks like:
Keeping Your Account Up to Date
It is important to check in on your account regularly to make sure that you see any new information, notices or mailings. Your online account at HealthCare.gov is helpful for making important updates like changes to your address, income or household size. Check here for more information about reporting changes to the Marketplace.
Renewing or Keeping Your Coverage
It is important to renew your health insurance each year to make sure you are still covered.
Every year, you should shop in the Marketplace during Open Enrollment (November 1 – December 15) to see if the health plan you have is still the best one for you. Your health plan should notify you when open enrollment is coming.
You may be auto-enrolled into a different plan if you don’t actively pick a plan each year.