The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, established health insurance marketplaces where individuals and families can purchase health insurance plans.
These marketplaces provide a one-stop shop for comparing plans, enrolling in coverage, and getting help with the enrollment process.
The health insurance marketplaces are run by the federal government and the states. They offer a variety of health insurance plans from different insurers, including:
Bronze plans: These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs.
Silver plans: These plans have lower monthly premiums than bronze plans but higher out-of-pocket costs.
Gold plans: These plans have lower monthly premiums than silver plans but higher out-of-pocket costs.
Platinum plans: These plans have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
You can use the marketplace to compare plans based on price, coverage, and other factors. You can also get help with the enrollment process from a certified enrollment assister.
To be eligible for coverage through the marketplace, you must:
Be a U.S. citizen or national
Be a lawful resident of the United States
Not be incarcerated
You may also be eligible for financial assistance to help you pay for your premiums.
You can enroll in marketplace coverage during the open enrollment period, which typically runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. You can also enroll in coverage if you qualify for a special enrollment period.