After you’ve gathered all documentation and estimated income using the above steps, follow these steps:

Click “Log In” (top right), then choose “Create Account.”
If you’ve ever had a Marketplace account under your email, the site will prompt you to log in instead—use your existing credentials.

Enter personal details: Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, and other information that must match your income tax or credit records.
Double-check that everything matches exactly (spelling, numbers) to avoid verification issues.
Handle Failed Identity Verification
- If your identity isn’t automatically verified, Marketplace will display an Experian phone number (1-866-200-3080) along with a verification code.
- Provide that code to Experian when you call. If Experian verifies your identity, Marketplace updates automatically and you can continue your application.
  - If Experian is unable to verify you, you have two options:
    - Upload Documentation for Manual Verification: Submit scanned documents (e.g., photo ID, pay stub, tax return) directly in the “Documents” section so Marketplace staff can verify manually.
    - Call the Marketplace: Dial 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325) to complete your application over the phone with a representative.

Once your identity is verified, the online application walks you step-by-step through entering household members and income details.
Be sure your Gross Income is accurate—it determines your Premium Tax Credit and Cost Share Reductions. If too low, you may need to repay subsidies; if too high, you could miss savings.
Follow the on-screen prompts to input names, birthdates, SSNs, and income figures based on your gathered documentation.
Don’t worry about missing a question. The application with highlight it to let you know you missed it.

After submitting your application you’ll see an Eligibility Notice showing your estimated Premium Tax Credit (PTC) and, if applicable, Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs).
Verify that your income is entered correctly—this notice is based on your Gross Income. If it’s too low, you might owe money at tax time; if it’s too high, you could miss out on savings.
If the notice indicates you are eligible for Medicaid/CHIP, your application will be automatically transferred to the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) for processing. That process can take up to 30 days. If DHHR has any questions, they will call you; if you have any questions about your DHHR application status, call 877-716-1212.
If additional documentation is required (for identity, income, or other factors), this notice will indicate exactly what you need to “Upload.”

If your health plan does not include dental, you can select a separate dental plan:
- Filter by Premium Costs, Deductible, and Issuer.
- Click “Add Providers” to confirm dental coverage via the insurer’s provider directory.
- Select a dental plan, then click “Confirm & Continue.”

Click “Continue” from the Eligibility Notice to reach the View Health Plans page.
At the top of this page, use the filter options to narrow down plans by:
- Metal Level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- Premium Costs (monthly premium after subsidy)
- Deductible (annual deductible amount)
- Issuer (insurance company)
Click “Add Providers” and “Add Drugs” to confirm that your doctors and prescription medications are covered under each plan.
- If a plan indicates a provider or medication is not in-network/covered, visit the issuer’s website to double-check—sometimes the online tool isn’t fully up to date.
On the issuer’s site, look up your medication’s tier (e.g., Tier 1, Tier 2, etc.) so you won’t be surprised by its cost under that plan.
Review filtered results, then click “Select” on the plan that best fits your needs and click “Confirm & Continue.”

The system will display both your selected health and dental plans and ask you to confirm that these are the plans you want to enroll in.
You will be required to agree to statement agreements, including:
- That the income you reported is accurate and reflects your best estimate of MAGI. Income is critical here because it directly determines your subsidy amount—too low, and you may owe money at tax time; too high, and you could miss out on savings you qualify for.
- That you must file Form 1095-A on your taxes next year to reconcile any premium tax credit.
Once you’ve submitted and made your first monthly payment, you’re enrolled for the effective date listed.

If you need to submit any additional documentation, now is a good time:
Click “Menu” (three horizontal lines) in the upper right-hand corner, then select “Account Home.”
On the Account Home page, click your current year & state application (e.g., “2025 WV Application”).
Click “Application Details” to view sections for each type of document needed (identity, income, citizenship, etc.).
In each section requiring documents, click “Upload” and select the appropriate files:
- Photo/scanned government ID for each household member
- Pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns for income verification
- SSA-1099 or profit-and-loss statements, if flagged
- Ensure each file is named clearly (e.g., “Smith_W2_2024.pdf”) so Marketplace can match it correctly.

After confirming enrollment, choose to make your binder payment online or contact the issuer directly:
- Highmark: 888-601-2109
- CareSource: 833-230-2099
- Delta Dental: 800-932-0783
Remember it takes up to 48 hours for your application to process before your coverage details appear with issuer.

You will receive an email notification whenever Marketplace updates your documentation status.
To check directly on Healthcare.gov, log in, then click “Messages” at the top of the page.
If additional documentation is requested, upload it promptly.
If you have questions, contact the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325).

How to Enroll for the First Time on Your Own

Still have questions?