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Health coverage for incarcerated people

If you’re incarcerated, you can’t buy a Marketplace plan. Once you’re released, you can use the Marketplace to get health coverage.
For the Marketplace, “incarcerated” means serving a term in prison or jail.
You're not incarcerated if you're:
  • On probation, parole, or house arrest — living at home, in a residential facility, or halfway house (under supervision of the criminal justice system or voluntarily).
  • In jail or prison pending disposition of charges (being held but not convicted of a crime).

Pending disposition of charges

If you’re in jail or prison waiting for the outcome of charges, or “pending disposition,” you can create an account or log in to apply for and if otherwise eligible, enroll in a Marketplace plan.
If convicted, you’ll no longer be eligible for Marketplace coverage while you’re in jail or prison serving a sentence.

After release from incarceration

Once released, you have a 60-day
to apply for and select a plan for Marketplace coverage. When you apply for health coverage, you might qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
If you plan to file taxes with your spouse or another household member who already has Marketplace coverage, they can update their application to add you to their plan.
Warning:
If you don’t pick a plan during your Special Enrollment Period, you won’t be able to get Marketplace coverage until the next Marketplace Open Enrollment Period, unless you have a
.

Medicaid coverage while incarcerated

If you’re incarcerated you can use the Marketplace to apply for
coverage in your state. Medicaid won’t pay for your medical care while you’re in prison or jail. But if you qualify and enroll in Medicaid while you’re incarcerated you may be able to get care more quickly after you’re released.
To help you decide whether to apply for Medicaid before you’re released, check if your state:
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