Health Insurance Basics > Marketplace
Health Insurance Marketplace
The Marketplace offers affordable health insurance to North Dakotans
To be eligible for health coverage in North Dakota through the Marketplace, you must:
- Live in North Dakota;
- Be lawfully present in the United States;
- Not be incarcerated; and,
- Not be enrolled in Medicare.
Depending on your household income, you may get help paying for your Marketplace health insurance plan. This can include a tax credit, to lower your monthly payment, and extra savings on costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Work with a Navigator or certified application counselor (for free) to ensure you get the cost savings available to you! Or, use the Premium Tax Credit Calculator to estimate if you’re eligible for financial help, and how much to expect.
When to Enroll
You can enroll in a Marketplace plan or change your current coverage during:
Open Enrollment
You are eligible to enroll or change your plan during open enrollment, which occurs annually November 1 through January 15.
- Enroll by Dec 15, 2025 to get coverage by Jan 1, 2026.
- Enroll between Dec 16, 2025 and Jan 15, 2026 to get coverage by Feb 1, 2026.
or, Special Enrollment Period
Certain life events may qualify you to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans outside of the open enrollment period. You have 60 days before or after the event to change coverage. Qualifying life events include:
You Need to Re-Enroll Every Year!
During open enrollment, you will need to log in to your Marketplace account and update and verify your information to keep your coverage benefits.
Log in at HealthCare.gov.
- Employment/income changes;
- Loss of other health coverage (including Medicaid/CHIP);
- Moved zip codes;
- Turning 26 (aging off a parent’s plan)
- Marriage;
- Having a baby or adopting a child;
- Becoming a US citizen; or,
- Leaving incarceration.
Not sure if you qualify to enroll outside of open enrollment? We can help! Contact your local health center to see if you qualify.
Learn more about special enrollment period here.
What Marketplace Plans Cover:
All Plans Include
Essential Health
Benefits
- Clinic visits (outpatient care);
- Hospital stays;
- Pregnancy and newborn care;
- Laboratory services;
- Immunizations;
- Preventative services and chronic disease management;
- Pediatric services;
- Prescriptions;
- Birth control;
- Mental health care;
- Substance use disorders; and,
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices.
Some plans offer more. A Navigator or certified application counselor at your health center show you your options.
You can also browse Plans and Pricing online at HealthCare.gov. Enter in your zip code to see plans available to you.
How to Apply
You can apply for a Marketplace health insurance plan online at HealthCare.gov, by mailing a paper application, or with free help from a trained Navigator. After you apply, you can compare plans, see prices, and enroll in the one that best fits your needs. Marketplace plans too expensive? See if you qualify for North Dakota Medicaid.
Free Help at Your Health Center
Health centers typically have trained professionals who offer free support for health insurance enrollment. We’ll answer your questions and help you get enrolled in a plan that fits your needs and your budget. Save yourself the stress!
Self-Employed?
Estimate the income and expenses you need to include on your HealthCare.gov application to project your income for the enrollment year.
Currently Have a Marketplace Plan?
Report Changes
In Your Account
If you have experienced any changes to your household or income, log in and update your account. See here what changes to report. Report these changes as soon as possible, within 30 days of the change. Changes may affect savings and coverage options you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t pick a plan or enroll in coverage within 60 days of moving or losing other coverage?
Your special enrollment period eligibility has passed. You can’t enroll in a health insurance plan until the next open enrollment period, unless you qualify for another special enrollment period.
How do I pay for my monthly premium?
When you have Marketplace insurance, you’ll pay your premiums directly to the insurance company—not the Marketplace. Your coverage won’t start until you pay your first premium. Contact your plan to find out how they accept payment, or work with a Navigator. They will walk you through the process and make sure you understand how your plan works.
How do I confirm a move if I’m homeless or in transitional housing?
You can submit a letter from a person in your state who can confirm you live in the area. It could be a friend, family member, or caseworker. This person must confirm their residency with appropriate documentation.
I am enrolling in Medicaid, but I currently have a Marketplace plan. What do I do?
Once you have received confirmation that you are enrolled in Medicaid, you must log into your Marketplace account to end Marketplace coverage. Your Marketplace plan will not automatically cancel.
How do I cancel my Marketplace health insurance plan?
You must log into your Marketplace account to end Marketplace coverage. Once you end Marketplace coverage, you can’t re-enroll until the next open enrollment period, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
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