Getting covered: the Marketplace, Medicaid and enrolment windows

You usually can't buy Marketplace cover whenever you like — there's an annual Open Enrolment window, plus Special Enrolment if your life changes (new job, moving, a baby).

Key points to understand

Open Enrolment runs each winter; outside it you need a qualifying life event to enrol

Open Enrolment runs each winter; outside it you need a qualifying life event to enrol. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Starting a job, losing cover, moving, marrying or having a child all open a Special Enrolment Period

Starting a job, losing cover, moving, marrying or having a child all open a Special Enrolment Period. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Medicaid covers low-income residents, but immigration-status rules apply and vary by state — check before assuming

Medicaid covers low-income residents, but immigration-status rules apply and vary by state — check before assuming. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.