Skip to main content
ACA Direct Answers

Who can help me sign up for an ACA Marketplace health plan?

The most hands-on way to get help signing up for a 2027 Marketplace plan is a licensed insurance agent or broker, such as a licensed agent at United Enrollment Services (1-866-401-4116), who can compare plans with you and handle the whole enrollment — and HealthCare.gov's own glossary says "You won't pay anything additional if you enroll with an agent or broker." Agents often get a commission from the insurance company, and some only sell plans from the companies they represent, so ask which insurers they work with; whoever helps you, make sure they enroll you through the Marketplace, because that is the only way to get a premium tax credit. Two free government options also help: the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325), which offers what HealthCare.gov calls "free, non-biased personal help" and is listed as available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except holidays; and Navigators and other local helpers, found by city or ZIP code at localhelp.healthcare.gov. If your state runs its own exchange, use that exchange's help line instead of the federal one. For help choosing or enrolling in a plan, call United Enrollment Services, a licensed insurance agency, at 1-866-401-4116.

More on this topic: health insurance marketplace

Last updated Nov 2, 2026
Reviewed by Heather Fabrizio, Licensed Insurance Agent (NPN 20983651) · reviewed Jul 25, 2026
Published by ACA Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0

What it means

  • A licensed agent or broker can walk you through your choices and complete the full enrollment, at no added cost to you — the insurer pays the agent, not you.
  • Agents can be limited to the insurers they represent, so ask whether the plans you are shown are every plan in your area.
  • The call center and Navigators are free and do not steer you to any insurer; they help you apply, compare plans, and enroll.
  • Premium tax credits only apply when the enrollment goes through the Health Insurance Marketplace, whoever does the paperwork.

Action steps

  1. Decide whether you want a licensed agent to walk you through plans and enroll you, or prefer to compare on your own with free help from the call center or a Navigator.
  2. If you use an agent, ask two questions up front: which insurance companies can you sell, and will you enroll me through the Marketplace?
  3. For free in-person help, search your city or ZIP code at localhelp.healthcare.gov.
  4. Have your income estimate, household size, and Social Security numbers or immigration document numbers ready before the call.

Risks & deadlines

  • In HealthCare.gov states, Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
  • Only let someone enroll you after you have agreed to it. If anyone enrolls you in a plan without your permission, report it right away.

Also asked as

  • Who can help me enroll in Obamacare?
  • Where can I get free help signing up for ACA insurance?
  • Can someone help me apply for Marketplace health insurance?
  • Do I need an agent to buy an ACA plan?
  • Who helps you pick an ACA plan?

Sources

Last verified: 2026-11-02

Private, editorial resource — not affiliated with the government. See full disclaimer below.