This HealthCare.gov customer service line is set up for people who want to sign up for healthcare insurance, ask questions about the Affordable Care Marketplace, or make changes to already existing coverage. I was calling to determine whether it was possible to sign up for insurance outside of the designated Open Enrollment period (which runs from November 1st to January 15th of each year).

When I dialed this number, the automated software was able to automatically detect the area code from which I was calling. I called from a California area code and was immediately provided with a contact number for my home state’s Covered California program.

Since my question was a general one, I chose to stay on the line. I was taken to an automated menu and given options to apply for enrollment, ask questions about tax issues, or verify my current healthcare coverage status. There was also an option to be connected directly to a representative, which is the one I chose.

After waiting for less than five minutes, I was connected to a representative who immediately asked whether I was calling about existing coverage or attempting to apply for new coverage. I indicated that I was calling to find out whether I was still eligible to sign up for healthcare insurance, despite the fact that I had missed the most recent Open Enrollment period.

The representative was friendly and well-informed. She patiently explained to me that there are a number of extenuating circumstances that allow individuals to obtain insurance via a Special Enrollment period. The rep went through each of these circumstances, explaining that I might still be eligible to enroll based on my yearly income or whether I had recently experienced a qualifying life event, such as moving, getting married, or recently losing other health insurance coverage.

I found the rep to be very helpful and knowledgeable about the Affordable Care program. She was able to answer follow-up questions about my specific circumstances and provide me with detailed and understandable information. At the conclusion of my call, I was clear about my options for obtaining health insurance.

If a caller has difficulty getting connected to this customer service line, the HealthCare.gov website also has an extensive help section. Through the website, visitors can easily be connected to their own state’s Healthcare Marketplace, which is where individuals can complete enrollment applications for health insurance. 

I would feel confident calling this HealthCare.gov number if I had additional questions about getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act program. The system is set up in a sensible and useful way. Callers are automatically directed to the appropriate state’s healthcare program, which is where individuals can actually complete sign-up and enrollment for Affordable Care Act insurance plans. However, per my experience, you can also get helpful information and answers to specific questions from the HealthCare.gov representatives.