In most cases, when you apply for coverage, the account holder / primary applicant should be the household member you want as the contract holder with your insurance company. Some things to consider:

• The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old. If you are seeking coverage only for a dependent child under 17, an adult must be listed as primary, even if the adult is not seeking coverage. If you have more than one dependent (for example, you are a single parent seeking coverage for each of your 3 children but not yourself), complete a separate application for each child.
• If you expect one member of your household to end their coverage within the year (such as becoming eligible for Medicare, or enrolling through an employer), make another adult the primary applicant.
• If your household has mixed immigration status, make the adult who is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present the primary applicant, even if that person is not seeking coverage.