Health Insurance Basics > Marketplace > DIY: Enroll in the Marketplace
Do it Yourself:
Enroll in the Marketplace
You Can Enroll in Insurance Yourself!
Create an account or log in at HealthCare.gov to apply for health coverage.
HealthCare.gov is the official website—be sure to avoid scams or look-alike sites.
When To Enroll
Open Enrollment Period
November 1 through January 15, you can apply for 2026 coverage or update your application with any changes you expect for the year ahead.
- Enroll by Dec 15 to get coverage starting Jan 1, 2026
- Enroll between Dec 16 and Jan 15 to get coverage starting Feb 1, 2026
Special Enrollment Period
Within 60 days of a qualifying life event, like moving, losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby, you can apply for or change health insurance coverage.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance
Step 1:
Create a Marketplace Account
(Or log into your existing account) You’ll need to enter basic information like your name, address, and email address to start.
Create an account here.
Step 2:
Complete Your Application
To process your application, you’ll need to enter your date-of-birth, household information, income, and other information. When you complete your application, you will find out if you qualify for extra savings on health insurance premiums with premium tax credits.
See what documents you need here.
Find out how to estimate your income here.
If your household income qualifies you for free Medicaid coverage instead, you’ll be notified after submitting your application.
Step 3:
Compare Plans
After you submit your application, you’ll see what Marketplace health insurance plans you’re eligible for and the cost of each plan. Read some tips about how to pick a plan here.
Step 4:
Enroll in Health Insurance
After comparing plans, you can enroll in the plan that best fits your needs. Looking for dental coverage? Some health plans include dental coverage, but not all. If the health plan you selected does not cover dental services, you can enroll in an additional, separate dental plan on the Marketplace.
Step 5:
Pay Your First Premium
You’ll need to pay your first monthly premium to the insurance company for your coverage to start.
Ready to Enroll?
3 Things to Know About Insurance Plans
There are 4 Plan Categories:
Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum
Categories defines how costs are shared between you and the insurer. Plan categories have nothing to do with qualify of care.
Plans and Network Types:
HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO
Categories defines how costs are shared between you and the insurer. Plan categories have nothing Some plan types allow you to use almost any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers outside their network.
Total Monthly Costs:
You pay a monthly bill to your insurance company (a “premium”), even if you don’t use medical services that month. You pay out-of-pocket costs, including a deductible, when you get care. It’s important to think about both kinds of costs when shopping for a plan.
Tips for Picking the Right Plan
Do the Math
Not only do you need to consider monthly premiums, it’s also important to figure out what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Use this formula to find your total annual costs if you max out your insurance benefits:
(total monthly premium x 12 months) + out-of-pocket maximum = total annual cost
Example: ($157 x 12) + $4,000 = $5,884
Make Sure Your Providers (Doctors) are In-Network
A plan’s “network” determines where you can receive care covered by your insurance plan. When you see an “out-of-network” provider, services may not be covered at all, or costs may be more expensive. Make sure your preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are in-network in any plan you are considering.
Make Sure Your Prescriptions are Covered
To avoid surprise costs, check to see if your medications are covered under the plan by looking at the list of drugs covered. This list is called the formulary.
Learn more about how to get ready to apply or re-enroll here.
After You Enroll
- You’ll get a packet in the mail with your new insurance card and more information about your health plan.
- Start using your benefits! Fill your prescriptions, schedule your wellness checks, see what mental health therapists are in your network, and more. A Navigator can explain how to use your benefits and where. Read more about using your benefits here.
- If you need to make changes to your plan, you can do so if you’re moving, having a baby, or adopting a child.
- If your income or household changes, update your application as soon as possible. Your coverage options and savings may be impacted.
- If you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you’ll get information and next steps from South Dakota’s Department of Social Services.
- If you become eligible for Medicaid while enrolled in a Marketplace plan, you will need to log into your HealthCare.gov account to cancel your plan. Only do this after you’ve confirmed your Medicaid eligibility and enrollment.
Start Enrolling Now
Or learn more by browsing plans or see if you qualify for premium tax credits for extra cost savings.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you’re having trouble, think your estimated premium is too high, or just don’t want to enroll alone, we’re here to help. Schedule a time to meet with a Navigator and we’ll get you on track—and covered!
Frequently Asked Questions
My income changed. What do I do?
Update your Marketplace account as soon as possible, if your annual income projection is different from what was initially stated on your application. Income changes plan and savings eligibility.
I’m enrolled in Marketplace coverage, but my income changed after open enrollment. How do I know if I’m still eligible for premium tax credits?
Update your application after open enrollment starts to get an updated estimate of how much financial help you may qualify for.
What if I’m not eligible for Marketplace coverage or I can’t afford the monthly premiums?
If you’re no longer eligible or can’t afford Marketplace coverage, seek out help from community health centers that provide care on a sliding payment scale for people who are uninsured.
For More Info
Brittany Zephier
Navigator Program Manager
bzephier@communityhealthcare.net
605-277-8405
Sioux Falls
196 E 6th Street, Suite 200
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-275-2423
This page is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $160,000 with 100-percent funded by CMS/HHS. The content are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.