Marketplace coverage when you are a student

The Health Insurance Marketplace lets you compare and buy a private health plan, and students can use it like anyone else. Read on for where to shop, when you can enroll, and how premium help is worked out.

Where to shop

Most states use HealthCare.gov, and the rest run their own marketplace website. HealthCare.gov points you to your state's site if your state runs its own, so you can start there either way.

Plans are sorted into metal levels named bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The levels describe how costs are split between you and the plan, with lower premiums usually paired with higher costs when you get care. People under 30 can also look at catastrophic plans, which have low premiums and a very high deductible.

When you can enroll

Open Enrollment runs once a year in the fall, and the exact dates depend on your state's marketplace. Outside that window, you need a qualifying life event to sign up.

Life events include losing other coverage, turning 26 on a parent's plan, and moving to a new area, which can include moving to or from the place you attend school. Each event opens a limited window, so apply soon after it happens.

Before you apply

• An estimate of your income for next year
• Who will claim you on a tax return
• Doctors and pharmacies you want in the network
• Details of any coverage you are losing

How premium help is set

The premium tax credit lowers monthly premiums for people whose expected income falls within the range the law sets. The marketplace estimates the credit from the income you expect for the coming year, and the amount is settled on your tax return.

If someone else can claim you as a tax dependent, you generally cannot take the credit on your own, and your coverage is counted with that tax household. Talk with whoever files the taxes before you apply, so the application and the return match.

Comparing against other options

Lay a marketplace plan beside your school's plan, a parent's plan and Medicaid before deciding. Compare the monthly cost, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and whether doctors near campus are in the network.

If your income is low, the marketplace application also checks for Medicaid and sends your information to the state. Trained assisters and navigators offer free help with the application in many areas, and the marketplace website lists local help.