If you’re uninsured, health care coverage can seem like an impossible goal. Most people who have no insurance are uninsured because they can’t afford health care premiums. The Affordable Care Act aims to make health care for uninsured more affordable. It also mandates health insurance enrollment, so anyone who chooses to stay uninsured will face tax penalties.

Visit Your State’s Health Insurance Marketplace
Your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace is the place to start shopping for health care for uninsured individuals and families. At the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can get online health insurance quotes, compare health care plans and complete the health insurance enrollment process. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for all of your health insurance needs.

Find Out Whether You Qualify for Government Aid
If you currently have no insurance because you can’t afford it, you may be able to qualify for government aid. If you’re a low-income individual, you may be eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage. If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, you may still be able to receive a federal subsidy to help you pay, which makes uninsured health care shopping much more affordable for individuals and families who struggle financially.

Shop for a Plan and Complete Your Health Insurance Enrollment Process
At the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can compare plans. The ACA calls for a clear statements of benefits and a summary of coverage from every insurance provider, which makes it easier to compare apples to apples and evaluate which plan is best for you. Then, simply follow the instructions to complete the health insurance enrollment process, and you’ll be uninsured no longer! After your effective date, you’ll be eligible to use your new coverage, and you’ll also be able to avoid the tax penalty for having no insurance.