What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace is a website created as part of the Affordable Care Act where you can compare health insurance plans and buy the plan that is right for you. Here you can shop for plans, compare options, see if you qualify for financial assistance and enroll for coverage. The Open Enrollment Period for 2024 coverage is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. In some cases (loss of coverage, major life event), you may be qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.  

How to Enroll Online

• Open enrollment begins November 1.
• Visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov
• Create an account
• Fill out the application. You will need:
  • Address
  • Name, birth date, age and Social Security Number for anyone applying
  • Income information for anyone applying
  • Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering household members
  • Information about any employer-offered coverage, even if you have opted out
• Compare plan options
• Pick the plan that best meets your needs

Other Ways to Enroll

• By phone at 1-800-318-2596
• By mail: printable form and instructions.
• In person with the help of trained staff. See “Getting Help” below or visit localhelp.healthcare.gov to find a location near you.

Getting Help

Get help from local organizations’ trained staff who can answer questions and help you fill out your application.

At Library Locations

Primaris Foundation, the organization that has coordinated in-person help at both our Columbia and Callaway library branches during the fall/winter, may offer in-person help during the enrollment period, check at your local branch for more information.

• Mid-Missouri: 573-817-8338
• Throughout Missouri, contact Cover Missouri: 800-466-3213

Boone County

• Aging Best
  201 W Broadway, Suite 1E, Columbia, MO, 65203
  Call 573-443-5823 to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance. Persons do not need to be 60 and older. This service is open to all uninsured individuals and families.
• Central Missouri Community Action
  Call 573-443-8706 toll free for assistance.
• Family Health Center
  1001 W. Worley St, Columbia, MO
  Call 573-214-2314 or 844-853-8937 to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance.
• Missouri Kidney Program
  2800 Maguire Blvd. Suite C202, Columbia, MO
  Call 573-882-2506 or 800-733-7345 to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance.
• Missouri Connections for Health
  601 W. Nifong Blvd., Suite 3A, Columbia, MO 65203
  Call (573) 817-8300 or (800) 466-3213 to schedule individual assistance.
• Spectrum Health Care
  1123 Wilkes Boulevard, Suite 110, Columbia, MO
  Call 573-514-7312 to schedule individual assistance.

Callaway County

• Community Health Center of Central Missouri
  561 Commons Drive, Fulton, MO
  Call (573) 632-2777 for assistance.

Forms and More Information

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  A comprehensive selection of health insurance marketplace resources from CMS.gov.
• Cover Missouri
  A project of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) to promote quality, affordable health coverage for every Missourian, including guidance for Missourians exploring options for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Tools and resources included help with signing up for and renewing Medicaid Coverage, comparing Marketplace Plans and Prices and exploring financial support options.
• Kaiser Family Foundation
  Healthcare reform information and resources from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
• Health Insurance Marketplace information for other states
• About Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace
  If you are currently enrolled in the Medicare program, you are already covered under a health insurance program and WILL NOT be required to participate in the new program.
• Healthcare.gov Quick Guide
  Offers tips and FAQs for navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace.