Resources

Who Is the Marketplace for?

The South Carolina Health Insurance Marketplace is where eligible residents can shop for and buy insurance in person, online, or by phone. In South Carolina, the Marketplace is run by the federal government. The Marketplace, also called an Exchange, is mainly for people who:

• Don’t have insurance
• Aren’t insured by their employer
• Don’t have Medicare
• Aren’t included in their spouse’s employer insurance
• Have pre-existing conditions and may have had trouble getting insurance before
• Have private insurance but want to look at other options
• Own a small business

When You Can Enroll

• November 1: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
• December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
• January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.
• January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.

If you don’t act by January 15, 2025, you can’t get 2025 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Enroll by December 15, 2025 for coverage that starts January 1, 2025.

You can preview 2025 plans and prices now and complete your enrollment starting November 1.

Enroll online at HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596. You can also download an enrollment application at HealthCare.gov, or get help in person through a Navigator or insurance broker.

If you have a life-changing event — such as the birth of a child, losing your job, or moving to a new state — you don’t have to wait for the next enrollment period. You can sign up or change coverage within 60 days of the event. You can also sign up for Medicaid at any time, if you are eligible.

https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/

Plans and Costs

Getting Started: You’ll need to provide information about you and your family members when you apply. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

• Social Security number (or document number if you are a legal immigrant)
• W-2 forms: Wage and tax statements or pay stubs for all employed members of the household. For people who are self-employed or do not have a regular salary, include an estimate of household income.
• Policy numbers of health insurance plans covering any members of the household
• Immigration/citizenship status
• Tobacco use