Marketplace Navigators and assisters (free enrollment help)

What this actually is

Federally funded people, in your town, who will sit with you and complete your Marketplace, Medicaid or CHIP application for free. Not money — expert help, which for this program is worth more, because the Silver-plan and income-estimate traps above are exactly what they catch. This entry exists because of the middleman problem: search "ACA enrollment help" and you will find lead-generation sites and commissioned agents, and some outfits charge a "processing fee" to file a free federal application. Navigators are legally required to be unbiased and free. Brokers and agents are legitimate but are paid commission by insurers and may not show you every plan. Nobody may charge you to apply for Marketplace coverage, Medicaid, or CHIP.

Who qualifies, and what trips people up

Open to anyone, no income test, no cost. Use the Find Local Help tool on HealthCare.gov to get in-person and phone assisters near you, or call the Marketplace directly at 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day. The tool distinguishes Navigators/assisters from agents and brokers — read the label. Help is available in many languages. Bring your best estimate of next year's household income, your household list, and any offer of employer coverage.