After you enroll, you'll receive a confirmation from HealthCare.gov and, separately, a welcome packet from your insurance carrier. Your coverage is not active until you make your first premium payment directly to the insurance company.
That first payment is the step most people miss. HealthCare.gov handles enrollment, but your premiums go directly to the carrier, not to the government. If you don't pay by the carrier's due date, your coverage won't take effect even if your enrollment is confirmed. Your welcome packet will include payment instructions, and most carriers also allow you to set up autopay online.
Once your first payment is processed:
- You'll receive your insurance ID cards in the mail, typically within 7 to 10 business days
- You can log in to your carrier's member portal to view your benefits, find in-network providers, and manage your plan
- Your coverage start date takes effect, meaning you can begin using your benefits for covered services
- You'll receive a Form 1095-A in January, which you'll need to complete your federal tax return if you received a premium tax credit
- If your income or household changes during the year, you'll need to update that information on HealthCare.gov to keep your subsidy accurate
Your coverage start date depends on when you enrolled. During Open Enrollment, plans that start January 1 require enrollment by December 15. A February 1 start date applies if you enrolled by January 15. Your confirmation will specify your exact start date. If you enrolled through a Special Enrollment Period, your start date is typically the first of the month following your enrollment.
Questions after you enroll? Call us at (305) 330-1277 or Find a plan that fits your family. We don't disappear after enrollment day.
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