In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as ObamaCare, was signed into law. The law makes it possible for more families to have access to preventive, affordable healthcare.
About the Health Insurance Marketplace
The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available from November 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024. Outside of the enrollment period, you can still enroll in a Marketplace health plan only if you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period. You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP at any time. If you do not have a computer, please check with your local library for access or visit Access Florida.
Year-Round Enrollment for Low Income Consumers
The new Special Enrollment Period allows year-round marketplace enrollment for applicants with income that doesn’t exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.
Special Enrollment Period Information for Those Affected by the Public Health Emergency Unwinding
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a Special Enrollment Period, from March 31, 2023, to July 31, 2024, for individuals and families who lost their Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency unwinding.
These individuals and families must be eligible for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage and submit a new application or update and existing application on HealthCare.gov during the Special Enrollment Period. Applicants will have a 60-day window after they submit to select a Marketplace plan.
Get Free Marketplace Sign-Up Help
If you have any questions about the Affordable Care Act or need assistance enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit one of our 16 locations and we’ll have a Certified Application Counselor or Financial Counselor assist you.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Quick Guide
Free Sign-Up Help
We offer free sign-up assistance by trained certified financial counselors.
 | 1) Create AccountVisit www.healthcare.gov/ and create an account requiring basic information about yourself. |
 | 2) Apply for CoverageSubmit more detailed financial information about yourself, your family, household size and income. |
 | 3) Compare PlansCompare and review plans that you're eligible for, to help decide which is best for you. |
 | 4) EnrollChoose the plan best for you and submit your application. |
Health Insurance ID cards will be delivered to you through the mail shortly after you’ve been enrolled the plan you’ve selected.
Getting Prepared for Enroll
Get your required information prepared, find answers to your coverage questions, and figure out what options you need. It’s good to be prepared, and now is the time to get started.
- Gather information regarding your household income. To help determine health savings you’re eligible for, the Marketplace will need income information from your W-2, current pay stubs or your tax return.
- Start setting a budget to spend on your premiums each month. You will need to determine which health plan meets your families health needs, but also meets your budget requirements.
- Find out if your employer plans to offer health insurance. If your employer offers you health coverage, you will not qualify for marketplace coverage, however your family is still eligible for marketplace coverage. For questions or concerns please fill out a form above to have a Certified Application Counselor contact you.
How Does the Affordable Care Act Help Me?
The Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare) brings along a Marketplace accessible through HealthCare.gov that gives you the ability to compare coverage options, benefits, quality and determine which features are important to you. The Marketplace lets you determine the correct combination of benefits and price that fits your budget and meets your needs.
There are many benefits to the Affordable Care Act that you may not have heard about yet.
- Low Cost of Coverage – The Marketplace application process will determine if there are any additional ways to get lower monthly premiums with your current plan. You’ll also learn if you’re eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program.
- Essential Health Benefits – Doctor visits, preventive care, hospitalization, prescriptions and more essential health benefits are covered under all plans.
- Pre-Existing Conditions Covered – No longer worry about being denied coverage because of an existing condition. All pre-existing health conditions will be covered including pregnancy or disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I sign up for coverage?
Open Enrollment is typically open November 1 thru January 15 each year, but low-income consumers whose income doesn’t exceed 150% of the Federally Poverty Level can enroll year-round. Please note that those affected by the unwinding of the Public Health Emergency will also be eligible to apply between March 31, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
How do I enroll myself?
Tampa Family Health Centers offers enrollment assistance at no cost to you. We encourage all individuals to seek out our assistance to ensure they are receiving maximum discounts.
The individual Marketplace can be accessed at http://www.healthcare.gov.
Do I need to enroll every year to maintain coverage?
If you already have an ACA policy through the Marketplace you should go back to the Marketplace either on-line or contact our certified Marketplace Navigators to confirm your eligibility. Failure to confirm this information by December 15 may cause you to lose your coverage.
What will my insurance rates cost?
There’s a list of items used to determine the premium rates for plans. These items include whether the plan is for an individual or family, age, geographic location, tobacco use, etc.
Can I apply outside the enrollment period?
If you endure certain life changes including getting married, moving, having a baby, etc., or qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may be eligible to enroll outside the normal enrollment period.