Overview

The Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) provides a marketplace for health insurance plans, covering millions of Americans. While over 80% of Americans get coverage through their employer, Medicare, or Medicaid, some need to buy their own insurance.

Key provisions of the ACA include:

• A Marketplace for individuals and families to purchase coverage. Some states have their own Marketplaces; others use the federal website.
• Insurers cannot exclude people with pre-existing conditions.
• Subsidies, usually in the form of tax credits, help individuals afford insurance by reducing monthly premiums.

You’ll find many different plans covering important things like doctor visits, preventive care, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more. Plus, you can easily compare these plans based on their costs, benefits, and quality to see which fits you best.

Who can join in? 

Anyone living in the U.S. can get a plan as long they are a U.S. citizen or national (or lawfully present) and not be in jail. No matter where you live in the States, you can access the Marketplace. Some states have their versions, while others use the federal government’s setup.

Costs

When it comes to costs, there’s a range to fit different needs and budgets. You might even find out you’re eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or you could get some savings on a Marketplace plan.

Finding a Health Plan 

Signing up is mainly done during the Open Enrollment Period, every year from November 1 to January 15. But, if you’re going through a big life change, like getting married or losing previous coverage, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up at other times.

Next Steps

Explore the ACA Marketplace to compare plans and find the best fit for your needs and budget. Check eligibility for subsidies and investigate Medicaid or CHIP for low-cost options. Sign up during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15) or see if you qualify for Special Enrollment due to life changes. Secure your coverage today.