1. Create a Marketplace Account
This presentation is part of a series that helps users navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace. The online application begins with account creation (including verifying your identity/aka identity proofing) and ends with the applicant seeing their eligibility results. The applicant will then move on to compare plans and select a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), if eligible to enroll in a QHP through the Marketplace. The following includes an in-depth look into how a consumer new to the Marketplace begins the online application with creating a Marketplace account on HealthCare.gov. The scenario depicted and other data shown in this presentation are provided only as illustrative examples, and do not represent any actual individual.
The information presented is for CMS partners. It is not intended for press purposes and is not on the record. If you are a member of the press, please the press office at
This CMS National Training Program presentation provides basic information about the Marketplace program. You should always consult the relevant statutes, regulations, and rulings for official legal guidance.
The information in this presentation was correct as of June2015. Please note HealthCare.gov undergoes updates on a regular basis so screenshots and language may change as part of the ongoing effort to improve consumer experience.
June 2015

2. HealthCare.gov Homepage
HealthCare.gov is designed to help you apply for coverage, compare plans, and sign up for private health insurance in the Marketplace. This website provides you with the information needed to make choices that are right for you and your family—or your small business.
The paths for Individuals & Families and Small Business (SHOP) are clearly defined and separate. Likewise, the tabs within the “Individuals & Families” page are set up to help guide the different consumers/families coming to the Marketplace.
Get Coverage is the choice for new people coming to the Marketplace for the first time to get coverage.
Change or Update Your Plan is for people who already have Marketplace coverage and are returning to change or update their plan (if it is still available).
Get Answers provides helpful content that’s organized by audience and the topics that are important to them. In addition, information specific to certain populations, like immigrants, military veterans, young adults, people with disabilities, etc. can be quickly accessed.
The HealthCare.gov landing page is dynamic and will display key messages with specific calls to action (green button) throughout the year. For example, this slide’s key message is Open Enrollment is over. Action consumer can take “See if you can still get coverage.” the green button will direct consumer to the Special Enrollment Period Screener tool to see if they can enroll in a plan outside of Open Enrollment. In the fall you may see key messaging ramping up to the next open enrollment period such as, Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2015, or “Get Ready for coverage” with a call to action of “GET READY NOW” designed to help consumers understand what they need to do to change or update their coverage for the next plan year.
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

3. Create a Marketplace Account
Select a State
To create a Marketplace account you start on the “Get Coverage” tab and select your state from the drop down menu. In this example, we select Delaware, which is a Federally-facilitated Marketplace. If you live in a state with a Federally-facilitated Marketplace or state that Partners with the federal government for their Marketplace you’ll use this website to view, compare and enroll in a plan. If your state runs its own Marketplace (a state-based Marketplace) the message will display the name of your state’s Marketplace and provide a direct link to its website. Once you choose your state, click APPLY to continue.
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

4. Single Screen Account Creation
Your address is your username
Real-time verification of typos
Green checkmarks dynamically pop up as you successfully complete each section and meet password criteria 1 2 3
There are 3 parts to the account creation screen. You enter your information on one single page to CREATE ACCOUNT.
First, you’ll provide basic information (first and last name), and your address which will also be your username. The system provides real-time verification of typos. For example, you will get a message that suggests “gmail.com” if you accidentally type “gnail.com.” Green checkmarks dynamically pop up as you complete each section and your password meets each criteria.
The next part allows you to set up security questions to use if you forget your account password. You’ll select questions from the drop down list that only you can answer, and you’ll type the corresponding answer. Check whether you want to have updates sent to your address. Lastly, read the HealthCare.gov privacy policy and check that you understand and agree with it.
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

5. Email Notification on Same Page
Notification includes a direct link to major providers
Some addresses won’t include a direct link
Once you click Create Account a “Check Your ” notice will display on the same page with a reminder to check your , and click the verification link to continue your application. An added enhancement is the direct link to open your in the same notice. This will work for major providers like Gmail, etc. Some addresses will not include a direct link to just the “Check your ” notice and reminder to check your and click verification link.
Create a Marketplace Account

6. Create a Marketplace Account
Verify Your
You’ll get an from the “Health Insurance Marketplace” with the subject line “Marketplace Account Creation.” Click the link in the to verify your address. Once you click the verification link, you’ll see “Please Wait” as your request is processed.
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Create a Marketplace Account

7. Your account has been created!
Once your account is processed you will see the “SUCCESS!” Screen. Click on the CONTINUE button to log in for the first time.
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

8. Create a Marketplace Account
Log in Directly
Log-in with your address and the password you created
Now that your account is created, you can log in to your Marketplace account with your username/ and password to apply for coverage and shop for plans.
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

9. Create a Marketplace Account
Application
Once you’ve created an account and logged in to your Marketplace Account at HealthCare.gov, you will be asked to verify your identity before you begin the application process.
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Create a Marketplace Account

10. Create a Marketplace Account
Enter Your Contact Information
To verify your identity complete the “Enter Your Information” page, including your name, phone number, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number. Click “Continue.”
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

11. Answer Questions to Verify Identity
Once you click continue, a set of questions will display on the “Verify Your Identity and Contact Information” page. Answer the questions to verify your identity and help protect your personally identifiable information.
The exact questions will depend on your particular situation. Questions may ask about things such as the county you live in, a previous address, a current or previous employer, or a previous phone number.
Once you’re finished answering the questions, click the “Verify My Identity” button. If you pass the identify proofing process, the next page will appear.
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12. Identity is Verified/ Privacy & Use of Your Information
The “Privacy & Use of Your Information” page lets you know how the information you entered will be used, and that data from other sources will be accessed to verify your information. Integrated systems will check your eligibility by retrieving information from other Federal agencies including the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Check the box to indicate that you agree to have your information used and retrieved from data sources for your application. Then, click the “Take Me to the Application” button.
You’re now ready to apply.
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Create a Marketplace Account

13. Create a Marketplace Account
Marketplace.cms.gov
You can get up-to-date information to help you counsel people who may benefit from the Heath Insurance Marketplace at Marketplace.cms.gov. There is access to consumer materials, training materials (including videos), research and more. You can sign up for updates as well. This is also where organizations can apply to become Certified Application Counselors and Champions for Coverage.
June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account

14. Want More Information about the Marketplace?
Stay connected
Sign up to get and text alerts at HealthCare.gov/subscribe
CuidadoDeSalud.gov for Spanish
Updates and resources for organizations are available at Marketplace.cms.gov
Facebook.com/Healthcare.gov
Need more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace?
Sign up to get and text alerts at healthcare.gov/subscribe/
(cuidadodesalud.gov/es/ ) provides the HealthCare.gov information in Spanish).
Updates and resources for partner and stakeholder organizations are available at Marketplace.cms.gov.
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June 2015
Create a Marketplace Account