How do I make my first premium payment? 

Your health coverage is not active until the insurance carrier receives your first payment (known as the "Binder Payment" before the effective date. 

This binds you and the carrier to the insurance policy. 

• Who to Pay: You do not pay the Marketplace or your broker. You pay the insurance company directly.

• Online (Fastest): Log into your Marketplace account and look for the "Pay Now" button on your enrollment dashboard. This redirects you securely to the carrier’s portal.

• By Phone: You can call your carrier’s billing department. Tip: Wait at least 3 business days after your Marketplace enrollment before calling, as it takes time for your data to "sync" with the carrier.

"Why does it still say Pending?" The Marketplace does not process payments and the system can take time to update. Even after you pay, your Marketplace dashboard may show "Pending" for several days.

Don't rely on the Marketplace for payment status.

Contact your Insurance Carrier’s Billing Department directly to confirm they have your funds.

Once they have your money, you are covered—regardless of what the Marketplace website says.