Glossary · Marketplace
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a service, created by the Affordable Care Act, that helps people shop for and enroll in health insurance. The federal government runs it at HealthCare.gov for most states, and some states run their own.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Health Insurance Marketplace: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Federal site | HealthCare.gov | HealthCare.gov glossary: Health Insurance Marketplace® |
| Open Enrollment | November 1 to January 15 each year | HealthCare.gov glossary: Open Enrollment Period |
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What does health insurance marketplace mean in health insurance?
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a service, created by the Affordable Care Act, that helps people shop for and enroll in health insurance. The federal government runs it at HealthCare.gov for most states, and some states run their own.