Healthcare.gov Insurance Plans

The insurance exchanges all work on a two step process. The first step is to create an account and complete a one page identity proofing. If your application is a good match with federal and state data then you can go to the next step which is to review and select a plan.
In order to navigate the application process successfully you will need to gather some basic information before starting. Most states do not operate their own health insurance exchange. If you live in one of those states, like Oregon and Arizona, your best bet is to register on healthcare.gov. For one thing, you will find the most plans to compare on the exchange, as some companies only have their plans available on the exchange. If you need to enroll in a state that doesn't operate it's own insurance exchange you have a number of options for how to complete an enrollment. Read through the rest of this page and follow the instructions.

It's important before you start to make an estimate of your expected annual Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Follow the instructions on AGICalc to do a little math. This is necessary to complete your application in one sitting. Then come back here for the next steps.

Once you know what your Modified Adjusted Gross Income is you can call (800) 547-1567 to complete your enrollment. You can also use Health Sherpa an online tool to helps you choose a plan and walks you through the process of creating and managing an account with healthcare.gov.

Step 1. Start with your household’s adjusted gross income (AGI) from your most recent federal income tax return. 

Where to find your AGI on IRS tax forms:

• Form 1040: Line 37
• Form 1040 EZ: Line 4
• Form 1040 A: Line 21

Don’t have your recent AGI? What if I don’t know my household’s recent Adjusted Gross Income?

1. Start with “federal taxable wages” for each income earner in your household. You should find this amount on your pay stub.
2. If it's not on your pay stub, use gross income before taxes. Then subtract any money the employer takes out for health coverage, child care, or retirement savings.
3. Multiply federal taxable wages by the number of paychecks you expect in 2017 to estimate your income for the year.
4. You may qualify for tax credits which decrease the amount of your AGI.
5. Self employed-deduct business expenses from your gross to get an estimate of AGI. The numbers that work best are monthly amounts which is the total annual net income after tax credits divided by 12.
6. You may qualify for tax credits that reduce your AGI and increase your Health Iinsurance Tax Credit (HITC).

Step 2. Add the following kinds of income, if you have any, to your AGI: ·

• Tax-exempt foreign income
• Tax-exempt Social Security benefits (including tier 1 railroad retirement benefits)
• Tax-exempt interest
• Don’t include Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Step 3. Adjust your estimate for any changes you expect for 2017.

Consider things like these for all members of your household:

• Expected raises
• New jobs or other employment changes, including changes to work schedule or self-employment income
• Changes to income from other sources, like Social Security, alimony, or investments
• Changes in your household, like gaining or losing dependents. Gaining or losing a dependent can have a big impact on your savings.

Now you have an estimate of your expected income for 2017. Use this figure when asked to estimate your expected income for 2017. 

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