Getting Started
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace
Find affordable, high-quality health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. Whether you're an individual, a family, or a small business, the ACA ensures access to comprehensive health coverage that meets your needs and budget.
ACA
What Is the ACA Marketplace?
The ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is a government-operated platform where individuals, families, and small businesses can shop for, compare, and purchase health insurance plans. The marketplace offers a variety of health coverage options that comply with ACA regulations, ensuring essential health benefits for everyone.
Eligibility
Who Can Use the Marketplace?
- Individuals and Families: If you don’t receive health insurance through an employer, the marketplace provides comprehensive plans that fit your healthcare needs.
- Small Businesses: Through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees can offer affordable health insurance options to their staff.
Research
Why Choose the ACA Marketplace?
- Comprehensive Coverage: All ACA Marketplace plans cover the 10 essential health benefits, including preventive care, maternity, emergency services, prescriptions, and more.
- Affordable Options: Depending on your income, you may qualify for tax credits and subsidies to help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
- No Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions: You can’t be denied coverage or charged more because of pre-existing health conditions.
- Flexible Plans: Choose from different levels of coverage (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), designed to meet a variety of needs and budgets.
Plans
Types of Plans Available
The ACA Marketplace offers four “metal” tiers of health insurance plans:
- Bronze: Lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs. Suitable for those who want minimal monthly payments and are generally healthy.
- Silver: A balance of moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Many qualify for cost-sharing reductions with Silver plans.
- Gold: Higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses. Best for those who anticipate regular healthcare needs.
- Platinum: Highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Ideal for those with frequent healthcare needs.
Affordability
Financial Assistance: Making Coverage Affordable
- Comprehensive Coverage: All ACA Marketplace plans cover the 10 essential health benefits, including preventive care, maternity, emergency services, prescriptions, and more.
- Affordable Options: Depending on your income, you may qualify for tax credits and subsidies to help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
- No Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions: You can’t be denied coverage or charged more because of pre-existing health conditions.
- Flexible Plans: Choose from different levels of coverage (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), designed to meet a variety of needs and budgets.
Medicare FAQ's
Got questions? We've got answers
You are eligible to apply for Medicare during your initial enrollment period which is a 7 month window. 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after turning 65.
The easiest way to sign up for Medicare is online through SSA.gov or by Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security Office.
If you are already receiving Social Security Benefits you will be automatically enrolled into Original Medicare, otherwise you will be eligible to enroll during your initial enrollment period that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period you can sign up during the General Enrollment period that occurs every year January 1st through March 31st. Coverage becomes effective the month following your enrollment date.
Yes, there are penalties for not signing up for Part B of Medicare and will be added to your premium.
If you need a new Medicare card you can order a replacement card by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at the Social Security Administration web site. Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call.
