dociya

Health Insurance (US — ACA & Medicare)

Bought via the ACA Marketplace (healthcare.gov; under-65, often subsidized) or Medicare (65+ and certain disabilities). Each has its own enrollment windows.

Do it on the official site

ACA — HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace. Medicare — Medicare.gov; 1-800-MEDICARE.

Fees

Premiums vary — run a quote on HealthCare.gov. Premium Tax Credit lowers by income; CMS projected the lowest-cost plan averaging ~$50/mo for eligible 2026 enrollees. Medicare Part A usually premium-free; Part B/D income-adjusted [confirmed/inferred].

Processing time

Open-Enrollment + Medicare AEP changes take effect Jan 1 (Medicare request must reach the plan by Dec 7)

How long it lasts

Calendar plan year (Jan 1 – Dec 31); review/re-shop yearly (auto re-enroll possible)

What to know first

  • From plan year 2027, federal Open Enrollment runs Nov 1 – Dec 15 (shortened from Jan 15).
  • COVID-era enhanced subsidies expired Dec 31, 2025 — many pay more in 2026.
  • Medicare AEP is Oct 15 – Dec 7 (effective Jan 1); the card itself has no expiry — the deadline is the enrollment window.
  • An EOB (Explanation of Benefits) is NOT a bill.

How to do it

  1. 1ACA: create a HealthCare.gov account → application (household + income) → see prices + premium tax credit → compare metal tiers → enroll → pay first premium.
  2. 2Medicare: choose Original (A&B) vs Advantage (Part C), add Part D → join/switch during AEP via Plan Finder → review ANOC each fall.
  3. 3Find providers: use the plan's in-network directory before booking.

What you need to bring

  • SSNs for each applicant; proof of income (pay stubs/W-2/tax return); current policy info if renewing; immigration docs if applicable; SEP proof of qualifying event; Medicare card/number.

In person

In-network / Marketplace-plan provider finder; Medicare provider & plan finder

Questions people ask

ACA Open Enrollment for 2027?
Federal platform Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2026; coverage Jan 1, 2027.
Change Medicare plans?
AEP Oct 15 – Dec 7.
Is an EOB a bill?
No.

Save this deadline

There is no date to remind you about yet — Dociya will hold the slot, and the reminder starts the day you add the document.

Save this deadline

Sources

  • healthcare.gov dates-and-deadlines; cms.gov; medicare.gov (accessed 2026-06-26)