Clear, practical information for your coverage decisions

What to Prepare Before Applying for Coverage

A practical list of information commonly needed for a Marketplace application.

Preparing in advance can make the Marketplace application process easier. The exact information required depends on your situation and may change. Use the official application checklist for your coverage year and state.

Information to review

  • Names and basic information for household members applying for coverage.
  • Home and mailing address, including your state and ZIP code.
  • Expected annual household income and the details needed to estimate it.
  • Information about health coverage available through work or other sources.
  • Current plan information and the date coverage will end, if applicable.
  • Preferred doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and medications to check while comparing plans.

Protect sensitive information

Use the official Marketplace or an appropriately secure, authorized application workflow for sensitive data. Do not send Social Security numbers, tax returns, Marketplace passwords, or detailed health information to an ordinary contact form or through regular text messages.

Official resource: HealthCare.gov: get ready to apply.

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