How to enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan

If plans are available in your area, you can enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plan directly through UnitedHealthcare. Let’s walk through what you need to know as you get ready to shop for and enroll in an ACA plan.

Find your ACA enrollment period

Mark your calendar for Marketplace open enrollment

If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll need to enroll in an ACA plan during the open enrollment window. This typically runs November 1 to January 15 in most states. Make sure to add these dates to your calendar:

November 1

Open enrollment begins, and you can shop for and enroll in a plan.

December 15

To start coverage on January 1, 2027, enroll by December 15, 2026, in most states.

January 15

To start coverage on February 1, 2027, enroll by January 15, 2027, in most states.

Do you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

If you experience a qualifying life event at any time during the year, you may be eligible to enroll outside of the open enrollment window. Your coverage start date will depend on your qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include but are not limited to:1

  • Getting married

  • Losing coverage due to divorce

  • Having or adopting a baby

  • Losing coverage due to the death of the primary member on your health plan

  • Moving to a new area

  • Earning U.S. citizenship

  • Turning 26

  • Loss of employer health coverage

  • Loss of health insurance

  • Impacted by a natural disaster

  • Not eligible or no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP

  • Employer offered you a Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement (CHOICE Arrangement) or a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA)

Shop for a UHC ACA Marketplace plan

Simple, easy plan enrollment

Begin the enrollment process in 3 simple steps.

Enter your ZIP code, then answer a few questions about your family and income.

See if you qualify for a subsidy and view recommended plan options. 

Choose the best plan option for you and we’ll help you enroll.

Let's get started

Gather documents and information for the ACA enrollment process

When you enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan, you’ll be asked some questions about your household and income. This helps determine your ACA plan eligibility and subsidies (savings). Gathering this info ahead of time can help you prepare. Here’s what you may need to provide:  

  • Mailing address 
  • Members of your household 
  • Estimated household income that includes details on wages, government assistance, pension, retirement accounts and other earnings

Compare ACA Marketplace plan options

As you begin comparing plans, consider what matters most to you. Do you need budget-friendly coverage? Or do you want a plan with lots of coverage and perks? This can help you narrow your options. You’ll also want to think about these questions:

Do you have a preferred provider?

If so, you’ll want to find a plan where they’re in network. You will be able to search for your provider during enrollment.

Do you take regular prescription medications?

Check the plan’s formulary (drug list) to see what medications are covered to avoid surprise costs. Medications not listed on the formulary will likely be an out-of-pocket cost to you. 

Do you want to renew your current plan for next year?

If you’re a UnitedHealthcare ACA plan member, you may be able to continue paying your premium to stay enrolled in your plan for 2027. We’ll reach out to let you know your 2027 plan options. You can also sign in to your member account or call the number on the back of your member ID card.

Explore and compare your ACA plan options

Enroll in a plan

Once you’ve chosen the right UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plan for you, it’s time to enroll. You can enroll online or call one of our licensed insurance agents at 1-844-491-8810, TTY 711 for no-cost, 1-on-1 help enrolling in a plan.

Shop and enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan

Activate your coverage

After you enroll in a plan, you’ll need to complete a few simple tasks before your coverage can start. You’ll be able to do this from your UnitedHealthcare ACA plan’s post-enrollment dashboard. You’ll be asked to:

  • Confirm your eligibility status and plan choice 
  • Send verification documents to the health care Marketplace using your post-enrollment dashboard
  • Make your first premium payment

It’s important to make your first premium payment on time so your coverage can officially start. You’ll typically receive your welcome kit and health plan ID card within 10 days of making your payment.

Frequently asked questions

A qualifying life event is a life-changing situation — like turning 26, moving to a new state or having a baby — that can impact you and your health insurance. If you have a qualifying life event, you may be able to buy a new health plan during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Some states may offer SEPs for other qualifying reasons, like natural disaster relief. 

If you sign up for an ACA Marketplace plan during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15 in most states), your coverage will start depending on when you enroll in your plan.

  • If you enroll by December 15, 2026 your plan will start January 1, 2027
  • if you enroll by January 15, 2027, your plan will start February 1, 2027

If you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, your coverage start date could vary.

  • If you enroll by the 15th of the month, your coverage will start on the first day of the next month after you enroll in a plan. For example, if you enroll on February 15, coverage will start March 1.
  • If you enroll between the 16th and end of the month, your coverage will start on the first day of the second month after you enroll in a plan. For example, if you enroll February 16, coverage will start on April 1.
  • If you enroll because you had certain qualifying life events, your coverage could start on the first day of the following month after you enroll. For example, if your qualifying life event is marriage, you could enroll February 28 and coverage will start on March 1.

Keep in mind, there are exceptions to these guidelines depending on which state you enroll in, or for certain qualifying life events. A licensed insurance agent can help you determine which qualifying life event you have.