Open Enrollment is closed until November 1st!
Applying for health insurance coverage is easier if you come prepared! Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to apply for the Health Insurance Marketplace. These tips also help you apply for Healthy Montana Kids or Montana Medicaid, but remember that you can apply for HMK or Medicaid throughout the year and not just during Marketplace Open Enrollment. You can also find a checklist here.
Step 1: If you need help applying, get an appointment with your local enrollment assister:
- Across Montana, trained enrollment assisters are available to help with the application and enrollment process. Their help is always free and confidential.
- Set up an appointment now! In many communities, enrollment assisters will run out of appointment times, especially in the last few weeks of Open Enrollment.
- Find a local enrollment assister here.
- You can also enroll directly with the Navigator team through the Cover Montana Help Line: (844) 682-6837.
Step 2: Gather your household info:
- Gather this information whether you are applying on your own or working with an enrollment assister!
- Email address and login info: If you are applying online through Healthcare.gov, you’ll need an email address. If you don’t have and email address, you can create one. Online application are generally easier, but you can also apply one the phone. Phone applications don’t require an email.
- Basic information for each member of your household: This includes each person’s full name, contact info, and social security number. Social security numbers are only required for those members of your household who are applying for coverage.
- Income information: You need current monthly income as well as your projected household income for 2021. The application asks for your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is very similar to you Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Your income information determines whether you are eligible for Montana Medicaid or Marketplace plan with a tax credit. If you are self-employed and work with a tax professional to prepare your returns, it is worth giving them a call because they’ll easily be able to get you the right information. This is a great income worksheet to help you figure out your household information.
- Current health coverage info: This could include coverage through an employer, your spouse’s employer, or a public insurance program.
- List of your doctors and prescription drugs: You need a list of any healthcare providers, doctors, clinics, or hospitals that you would like to be in your heath insurance network. During the plan selection process, you’ll use this list to find a plan network that works for you.
