My employer doesn’t offer health insurance. Can I buy a plan on the Marketplace and qualify for financial assistance?

Yes, if your employer does not offer you health insurance, you can shop for a plan on the Marketplace instead. The annual Open Enrollment period to sign up for coverage runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. Depending on your income and household information, you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to help offset your costs.

If your income is very low, the Marketplace will also help determine if you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP instead, which you can enroll in at any time during the year.