How does the Marketplace verify my
identity?
Here’s how it works:
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We’ll ask you questions that only you can answer
based on information in your credit report.
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You pick an answer from a list of possible choices.
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When you answer enough questions correctly, you
can continue with your application.
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If we can’t verify your identity, you’ll get a message
asking you to check your information and try again. If
that doesn’t work, we’ll give you a phone number to
call, or ask you to submit copies of documents that
prove your identity.
1.
Verifying your
Identity in the
Marketplace
Before you can enroll in health coverage through the
Health Insurance Marketplace
®
, we need to verify your
identity to protect you and your personal information.
Why does the Marketplace need to
verify my identity?
Without this verication process, someone you didn’t
authorize or give permission to could create an account
and apply for health coverage in your name without
your knowledge.
What information will I need?
Be prepared to give accurate answers to questions
about your personal history. We won’t ask you about all
of these, but having this information will be helpful:
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Addresses of current and past places you lived
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Names of current and past counties you lived in
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Auto ownership, like details of the car or the license
plate number
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Names of current and past employers
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Credit card information, including name of the
lender(s), year and month the accounts were opened
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Mortgage information, including name of the
lender(s), mortgage amount, and the term (the
number of months or years) of the loan
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Loans information (like auto, student, or home equity
loans), including name of the lender(s), loan amount,
and the term of the loan
Will this aect my credit score?
No. If you check your credit report, you may see an
inquiry from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS). CMS uses trusted data sources and
credit reporting agencies, like Experian and Equifax, to
verify the information on your application. This is only
an inquiry and doesn’t aect your credit score or your
Marketplace application.
What if the Marketplace can’t verify
my identity?
If we can’t verify your identity, it means that we couldn’t
match all of the information you gave us with the
information available in the trusted data sources we use
for this process. Here’s how to complete the verication
process:
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If you’re prompted, call the Experian Help Desk at
1-866-578-5409 and provide the reference code
shown on your Marketplace screen so they can help
verify your identity.
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If you’re asked, you’ll need to submit copies of
documents that prove your identity (like driver’s
license, Social Security card, birth certicate, etc.) and
get a response from the Marketplace. Use one of
these ways to submit your documents:
Fastest way - Upload copies of your documents to
your Marketplace account on HealthCare.gov
Mail copies of your documents to this address:
Health Insurance Marketplace
Department of Health & Human Services
456 Industrial Blvd.
London, KY 40750-0001
If you mail your document copies, include your
name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
(SSN) with your documents. We typically process
your information within 7–10 business days
after we get your documents, if not sooner.
Once we process your documents, we’ll mail you a
written letter and email you when it’s available in your
online Marketplace account. It tells you if we were
able to verify your identity, or if you need to submit
additional information.
What if I submitted documents but
didn’t get a letter about my identity
verication status?
Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to
ask for an update. TTY users can call 1-855-889- 4325.
A call center representative will ask for information like
your name and date of birth, which they need to start
reviewing your status.
CMS Product No. 11778
September 2022
You have the right to get Marketplace information in an accessible format, like large print, braille, or audio.
You also have the right to le a complaint if you feel you’ve been discriminated against.
Visit CMS.gov/about-cms/agency-information/aboutwebsite/cmsnondiscriminationnotice,
or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 for more information. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.
Can I still apply for coverage while the
Marketplace veries my identity?
We need to verify your identity before you can enroll in
health coverage through the Marketplace. Uploading
documents to your Marketplace account may help
us verify your identity sooner. While we process your
documents, you can start lling out your application
online, but you won’t be able to submit it or enroll in
coverage until we verify your identity.
You can also apply for Marketplace coverage by:
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Calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596
and complete the application over the phone. TTY
users can call 1-855-889-4325.
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Mailing a paper application to the address on the
previous page.
If you complete your application over the phone or
mail a paper application, you won’t be able to enroll
in coverage or access your information online until we
verify your identity.
What if I got a letter but am having
trouble creating a Marketplace
account on HealthCare.gov?
There might still be an issue verifying your identity,
especially if you completed your application through the
Marketplace Call Center or mailed a paper application.
See earlier question & answer: What if the Marketplace
can’t verify my identity?
If you still need help, call the Marketplace Call Center.
Note: If you’re eligible for a Marketplace plan, you’ll be
able to enroll in a plan as long as you do it before the
end of the Open Enrollment Period. This is the yearly
period when people can enroll in a health insurance
plan for the next calendar year. Open Enrollment ends
January 15th.
This product was produced at U.S. taxpayer expense.
Health Insurance Marketplace
®
is a registered service mark of
the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
To learn more about coverage through the Marketplace or your benets and
protections, visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at
1-800-318-2596. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.
