Which Health Insurance Forms Apply To You?
Carly Getz
| 2 min read
Individuals must apply in order to purchase health coverage on the Marketplace and to qualify for government-sponsored subsidies. You may have seen the original drafts of these applications which were lengthy and complex. The government has shortened and simplified each form to make it easier for individuals to apply. The revised paper applications include three different forms, depending on the applicant’s status: Application for Health Coverage (General Form – 5 pages) Use this application if:
- You do not need help paying costs.
What you’ll need to apply:
- The social security number of anyone who wants coverage (or document number if they are a legal immigrant)
Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs (Short Form – 3 pages) Use this application if:
- You’re a single adult who doesn’t have any dependents and can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You’re not offered health coverage from your employer.
- You don’t have other special circumstances (as described under the long form).
What you’ll need to apply:
- Your social security number (or document number if you’re a legal immigrant)
- Your employer and income information (for example, from paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
Application for Health Coverage & Help Playing Costs (Long Form – 12 pages) Use this application if:
- You’re married or have dependent children.
- You were in the foster care system, and you’re under age 26.
- You have items that can be deducted from your income. If your only deduction is student loan interest, you can use the short form.
- You’re American Indian or Alaska Native.
Note: You can apply even if your child already has health coverage. You could be eligible for lower-cost or free coverage. Additionally, families that include immigrants can apply. You can apply for your child even if you are not eligible for coverage. Applying won’t affect your immigration status or chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen. What you’ll need to apply:
- Your social security number (or document number if you’re a legal immigrant)
- Your employer and income information (for example, from paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance
- Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family
Individuals will have the option to apply online at HealthCare.gov, which will shorten the application based on people’s responses. Help with the application will be available online, by phone, in person, and in Spanish. Contact information will be listed on the bottom of each page of the application. Photo Credit: Elvert Barnes
