ACA Marketplace
Comprehensive health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, with income-based subsidies that can lower your premium.
ACA Marketplace at a Glance
ACA Marketplace plans are comprehensive health insurance sold through HealthCare.gov or your state's exchange. Every plan covers pre-existing conditions and the essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, maternity, mental health and preventive care.
Depending on your household income, you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, and on Silver plans, help with deductibles and copays. We compare plans across carriers and help you enroll at no cost to you.
How It Works
Pick a metal level
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum trade a lower premium for higher out-of-pocket costs, or the reverse. Catastrophic plans are available to people under 30 and some others.
Apply for savings
Your estimated household income for the year decides whether you get a premium tax credit and how large it is.
Enroll in the right window
Open Enrollment runs each fall into January. Losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Good For
- Anyone with ongoing health conditions or prescriptions
- Households that qualify for an income-based subsidy
- Families who want full coverage, including maternity and pediatric care
Watch For
- You can only enroll during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period
- Many plans use narrower networks, so check your doctors first
- Without a subsidy, premiums can be high
Important information
Premium tax credits are based on your estimated household income for the year and are reconciled on your tax return, so a change in income can change what you owe. Plan availability, networks and costs vary by county.
Other Options to Compare
See how every option stacks up on our health insurance comparison.
Short-Term Medical
Temporary medical insurance for a gap, like waiting for employer coverage, missing Open Enrollment, or retiring a few months before Medicare.
Fixed Indemnity
Pays set cash amounts for covered care, like a fixed amount per hospital day or doctor visit, to use however you need.
Health Share
A membership where members share each other's eligible medical bills. Everyone is accepted, it often costs less per month than the Marketplace, and you choose any provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan?
Open Enrollment runs each fall into January. Outside that window you need a Special Enrollment Period, which opens after events like losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby.
How do Marketplace subsidies work?
A premium tax credit lowers your monthly premium based on your estimated household income and family size. Silver plans can also come with cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and copays for lower incomes. The credit is reconciled on your tax return.
Does it cost more to enroll through an agent?
No. Plan prices are the same whether you enroll on your own or with us. The carrier pays us, and our help comparing plans and enrolling costs you nothing.
Not Sure Which Fits?
We compare Marketplace plans and the alternatives side by side for your situation, at no cost to you.