Health Insurance Marketplace is a federal service that helps individuals, families, and small businesses compare health insurance plans for coverage and price, enroll in or switch a health insurance plan, and get help with questions about health insurance. You can apply for a Marketplace plan as early as 60 days before your Medicaid or CHIP coverage ends to prevent a lapse in coverage. All Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits such as prescription medications, doctor visits, urgent care, and hospitalization. 

CHIP provides low-cost or no-cost health coverage to eligible low-income children 18 and younger whose parents earn too much money to be eligible for Medicaid but not enough to pay for private insurance. You can also reapply for Medicaid from your state anytime to determine if you are still eligible. To inquire about eligibility or the status of your application or renewal, phone your state’s Medicaid agency directly via the phone number on our Contacts page.

Community Health Clinics are nonprofit healthcare providers that offer low-cost or free medical services. Uninsured or underinsured individuals, regardless of immigration status, can qualify for community health clinics. They typically offer services such as primary care (checkups, chronic disease management), preventive services (vaccinations, cancer screenings), mental health and substance use treatment, and prescription medications at discounted rates. This program works on a sliding scale, meaning that fees are based on your household size and income, following federal poverty guidelines.