ACA Open Enrollment Checklist: Documents and Information You'll Need
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15. Preparing the necessary information before you start your application streamlines the process and helps ensure accurate subsidy calculations.
Household Information. You'll need the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household who will be on the application—even those who won't be enrolling in Marketplace coverage. Household size affects subsidy eligibility.
Income Information. Subsidies are based on projected annual household income for the coverage year. Gather information about all income sources: wages, self-employment income, Social Security, retirement distributions, investment income, and any other income. Use your best estimate for the coming year, not last year's income.
Current Coverage Information. If you currently have health insurance—through an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, or a current Marketplace plan—have those details available. Coverage through an employer requires information about the plan's affordability and minimum value to determine Marketplace subsidy eligibility.
Existing Healthcare Providers. Know which doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies you want to keep using. Having this list ready lets you verify network participation while comparing plans, rather than discovering network issues after you've enrolled.
Prescription Drug List. Compile your current medications with drug names, dosages, and frequencies. Use this list to check formulary coverage and tier placement across plans you're considering. Drug costs can vary significantly across plans even within the same metal tier.
