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2020 taxes & health insurance: Get tips
If anyone in your household had a Marketplace plan in 2020, you’ll use Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace® Statement to fill out Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PDF, 110 KB).

How to use Form-1095-A
Your 1095-A contains information about Marketplace plans any household members had in 2020. Before you file, make sure it’s accurate. If it’s not, contact the Marketplace Call Center, and wait to file until you get a corrected version.
Use the information from your 1095-A to complete Part II of Form 8962. See how to reconcile.
What if I didn’t have a Marketplace plan in 2020?
Learn how to file your 2020 federal taxes based on the type of coverage you had.
POSTED APRIL 08, 2021 |
New, lower costs on Marketplace coverage available now
You may be eligible for more savings and lower costs on Marketplace health insurance due to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 — even if you weren’t before! Health insurance premiums after these new savings will go down.
You have through August 15, 2021 to enroll in or change 2021 health coverage through the new Special Enrollment Period for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency.

New to the Marketplace?
Already have a Marketplace plan?
- You can still take advantage of these extra savings. Log in, and submit your application again to see your new eligibility results with the extra tax credit amount. You’ll get your eligibility results right away.
- If you qualify for more tax credit, reselect your current plan in order for the changes to take effect to lower your premiums for the rest of the year.
- Note: Your deductible may start over. Call your insurance company before changing plans or adding a new household member to find out.
Learn more about the new savings available.
POSTED APRIL 01, 2021 |
Quick tips to 'reconcile' your taxes
If anyone in your household had Marketplace health coverage in 2020, you should have already received Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace® Statement. (If you didn’t get the form online or by mail, contact the Marketplace Call Center.)

How to use Form 1095-A
- If your form is accurate, you’ll use it to "reconcile" your premium tax credit. If there are errors, contact the Call Center. We’ll send you a new, updated one. Don’t file your federal taxes until you have it.
- To "reconcile," you’ll compare the amount of premium tax credit you used in advance during 2020 against the premium tax credit you actually qualify for based on your final income for the year. Any difference will affect your refund or the amount of taxes you owe.
- Get a step-by-step guide to "reconciling" your premium tax credit.
Didn’t have Marketplace coverage in 2020?
POSTED MARCH 25, 2021 |
Enroll by August 15 for 2021 health insurance
You have through August 15 to enroll in or change your Health Insurance Marketplace® plan with a Special Enrollment Period due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.

All plans available at HealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits, like primary care visits, and many preventive care services at no cost to you.
Coverage may be more affordable than you think
Ready to apply?
- If you’re new to HealthCare.gov, create an account to apply for the first time.
- If you already have an account and want to change plans, just log in.
POSTED MARCH 11, 2021 |
What free services are included in my coverage?
Marketplace plans cover a set of preventive services — like shots and screening tests — at no cost to you.

What are preventive health services?
- Preventive services are routine health care procedures, like screenings, check-ups, and counseling to prevent illness, disease, and other health problems.
- Taking advantage of these free services can help detect illness early, when treatment is likely to work best, so talk to your provider about what’s right for you.
- Get specific lists of preventive services for adults, women, and children.
Where can I go for preventive care?
- Preventive services are free only when you get them from a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network. (A network is the facilities, providers, and suppliers your health insurance company has contracted with to provide health care services.)
- Contact your insurance company to see which providers are "in-network."
Get more information on preventive and wellness services for the whole household.
POSTED FEBRUARY 25, 2021 |
It's tax season: Have Form 1095-A?
If anyone in your household had a Marketplace plan in 2020, you should have received Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace® Statement, by mail from the Marketplace (not the IRS). After confirming that it’s accurate, be sure to store it with important tax information, like W-2 forms and other records, so that you can easily find it when you’re ready to file.

How to find Form 1095-A online
If it didn’t arrive in the mail or you can’t find it, check your HealthCare.gov account by following these steps:
- Log in to your HealthCare.gov account.
- Under "Your Existing Applications," select your 2020 application — not your 2021 application.
- Select "Tax Forms" from the menu on the left.
- Download all 1095-As shown on the screen.
If it isn’t there, contact the Marketplace Call Center.
What to do with Form 1095-A
- You can’t file your federal taxes without Form 1095-A. You’ll need it to "reconcile" — find out if there's any difference between the premium tax credit you used in 2020 and the amount you qualify for.
- Before you do anything, check to make sure it’s right.
- If you already filed with an incorrect form, you may need to file an amended tax return using the information on your corrected 1095-A.
POSTED FEBRUARY 12, 2021 |
Get ready for tax season
Tax filing season is here. If you had Marketplace coverage in 2020, follow these steps to get ready.

1. Keep an eye out for Form 1095-A
- Your 1095-A includes information about Marketplace plans anyone in your household had in 2020.
- It will come in the mail by early February from the Marketplace (not the IRS). You may also get it in your HealthCare.gov account before then.
2. Make sure your Form 1095-A is right
- Carefully read the instructions on the back. Confirm that your household and coverage information, the "second lowest cost Silver Plan," and the monthly premium are correct.
- If you find errors, contact the Marketplace Call Center. We’ll send you an updated copy. Wait to file until you have it.
- If it’s right and you aren’t ready to file, store it in a safe place.
3. "Reconcile" with your correct Form 1095-A when you’re ready to file
- You’ll use the information from your accurate 1095-A form to complete Part II of Form 8962 (PDF, 110 KB).
- The table on this page explains how to "reconcile."
- Any difference between the amount of premium tax credit you used in advance during the year and the premium tax credit you actually qualify for will affect your refund or the amount of taxes you owe.
POSTED JANUARY 28, 2021 |
Newly insured? Get answers to your health coverage questions
Now that you're enrolled in a health plan for 2021, you probably have questions about how to get the most out of your new coverage. We’re here to help, even after you enroll.

Does my new plan cover my prescriptions?
Your plan will help pay the cost of certain prescriptions. You may be able to buy other medications, but those on your plan’s list of covered drugs (formulary) will usually be less expensive. Visit your insurance company’s website (or call them directly), and review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage for a list of covered drugs.
How can I find a doctor in my plan?
Most health plans give you the best deal on services when you see a doctor who has a contract with your health plan. While you may be able to see doctors who don’t contract with your plan, visiting an "in-network" provider usually means you’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs. Learn how to find a doctor in your plan.
How can I use my new coverage to improve my health?
Now that you have health coverage, learn what you can do to stay healthy and get the care you need by reading From Coverage to Care: Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You (PDF, 698 KB). Here you’ll find tips on how to make and prepare for an appointment.
Learn more about using your new Marketplace insurance.
POSTED JANUARY 14, 2021 |
Activate your 2021 health plan by paying your premium
To activate your 2021 health insurance plan, pay your first premium directly to the insurance company (not the Marketplace). Your coverage won’t start until you make payment, so follow their instructions carefully. You may be able to pay online at HealthCare.gov.

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Important: Continue to pay your monthly premiums to your health insurance company on time
If you don’t, they could end your coverage.
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How to pay your monthly premiums
- Follow these instructions to pay online.
- If your health insurance company doesn't accept online payment, they should have contacted you with next steps. Reach out to them if they haven’t.
- If you aren’t sure you're enrolled, find out if your health insurance is active by checking your online Marketplace account.
- If you think you're enrolled but have questions about your plan, check your plan materials.
Learn more about completing your enrollment by paying your premium.
POSTED DECEMBER 23, 2020 |
2021 Open Enrollment is over. See if you can still get coverage
The deadline for 2021 Marketplace insurance that starts January 1 has passed. If you missed it, you may still be able to get or change 2021 coverage 2 ways: with a Special Enrollment Period or through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Through a Special Enrollment Period
Through Medicaid or CHIP
- Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
- If you qualify, you can enroll right away. Select the second button, and answer a few questions to see if these options may be available to you.
POSTED DECEMBER 16, 2020 |
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