ACA Health Insurance

How to Apply for ACA Health Insurance During the Medicare Waiting Period:

A Caregiver’s Checklist

If you’re caring for someone under 65 who’s recovering from a medical crisis and waiting for Medicare to kick in, you're likely facing a major challenge: how to afford health coverage in the meantime.

The good news? You may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance, even if you're mid-crisis, recently unemployed, or dealing with disability.
Here’s a caregiver-friendly checklist to walk you through the process.

✓ WHERE to Apply

• Go to Healthcare.gov if your state uses the federal marketplace.

• If your state has its own exchange, use the appropriate site.
  Find your state’s marketplace here 👉🏼 https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/

✓ WHAT You’ll Need to Apply

• Social Security numbers for the applicant and household members

• Income details (recent pay stubs, SSDI award letter, last year’s tax return)

• Info about any current health coverage

• Proof of the qualifying life event (e.g., job loss, SSDI approval, hospital discharge)

• Mailing address and contact information

✓ WHEN to Apply

• You have 60 days from a qualifying life event (like a stroke, serious illness, disability, or job loss) to apply during a Special Enrollment Period.

• Once approved, coverage usually starts the first day of the following month.

✓ HOW to Apply

1. Create an account at Healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace.

2. Start a new application for health insurance.

3. Report any income and household changes due to the medical crisis.

4. Select your qualifying life event (e.g., “disability,” “job loss”).

5. Upload documents if requested for verification.

6. Compare plans based on your needs and budget.

7. Choose a plan and complete your enrollment.

✓ REMINDERS for Caregivers

• Pre-existing conditions are fully covered, no exclusions.

• You may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on reduced income.

• ACA insurance can help bridge the gap between SSDI approval and Medicare eligibility, protecting both your loved one’s health and your finances.

📌 Tip: If you're feeling stuck, many marketplaces offer live chat or phone assistance to walk you through the process.

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Here’s a checklist of above to track your progress. Make notes and remember…

keep asking questions until it makes sense