The Biden administration's American Rescue Plan, passed in March, provides free (or very low-cost) health care coverage to some taxpayers for the last six months of 2021, with enrollment available through the HealthCare.gov marketplace. [In the most recent stimulus package, anyone (or their spouse) who files for unemployment for more than a week in 2021 will be eligible for a tax credit equal to or close to the cost of a "silver" plan in the government-run health insurance exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as Obamacare.

This tax credit is equal to or close to the cost of a "silver" plan in the government-run health insurance exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as Obamacare.

This tax credit covers all or most of the premiums for the second lowest silver plan available in your area of residence, regardless of your current income.

The special enrollment period for this benefit begins July 1 and ends August 15. This deduction is available for the entire year.

Any individual or family receiving unemployment compensation, as well as anyone with coverage through the ACA Marketplace, can adjust their existing plan during this period.

For example, if you have already paid out of pocket as a deductible, it will likely not count toward the deductible on your new plan.

To find out if you qualify for a tax credit to cover a health plan, go to HealthCare.gov and enter your zip code. If you are already enrolled in an ACA Marketplace plan, you can log in and update your application.

If your state has its own ACA Marketplace exchange, its website will appear.

For example, New York residents who already have a Marketplace plan can apply for a tax credit, while those who do not can purchase "almost free" insurance from the state. Californians, on the other hand, may qualify for the Silver plan, which has a premium of $1 per month.

If your state is on a federal ACA exchange, meaning you are not prompted to click through to a state-specific site, go to HealthCare.gov and follow the steps to apply or update your information to see what is available in your area.