once you get on phone with a trained representative, it usually takes about 25 minutes for an individual to apply for coverage, about 45 minutes for a family. once you apply for coverage, you'll be contacted by mail, by e-mail or postal mail about your coverage status. but you don't have to just go through the phone. you can also apply in person with the help of local navigators. these are people especially trained to help you sign up for health care and they exist all across the country. or you can go to community health centers and hospitals. just visit localhelp.healthcare.gov to find out where in your area you can get help and apply for insurance in person. and finally, if you've already tried to apply through the website and you've been stuck somewhere along the way, do not worry. in the coming weeks, we will