Here’s a quick rundown on the most important things to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace, sometimes known as the health insurance “exchange.” Follow the links for more information on each topic.

The new Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people find health coverage.When you fill out the Marketplace application it will tell you if you qualify for:

• Private health insurance plans. It’ll tell you whether you qualify for lower costs based on your household size and income. Plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventive care. If you don’t qualify for lower costs, you can still use the Marketplace to buy insurance at the standard price.
   
• Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In Michigan, these are called Healthy Kids and MI Child programs.  These programs provide coverage to thousands of families with limited income. If it looks like you qualify, the Marketplace will share information with the state agency and they’ll contact you. The Healthy Michigan Plan which seeks to expand Michigan’s Medicaid Program to adults (19 to 64 years) living at or below 133% of poverty, became effective on April 1, 2014.

Questions? Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)