The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace
The ACA created marketplaces where individuals and families can buy health insurance, often with financial help. The federal marketplace is HealthCare.gov. Some states run their own marketplace; HealthCare.gov will send you to yours.
All ACA marketplace plans cover the essential health benefits: doctor visits, hospital care, emergency care, maternity and newborn care, mental health, prescriptions, lab tests, preventive care and more. Plans can't deny you or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition.
Open enrollment
On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment usually runs from November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. State marketplaces may have different dates, so always confirm current dates at HealthCare.gov dates & deadlines.
Special Enrollment Periods
Outside open enrollment, you can usually enroll within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, having a baby, or certain income changes. Learn more.
Subsidies (premium tax credits)
- Premium tax credits lower your monthly premium based on your expected household income and household size. You can take them in advance or claim them at tax time.
- Cost-sharing reductions lower deductibles and copays for people with lower incomes who pick a Silver plan.
- Income limits and how much help you get can change with federal law, so check what applies to the current year.
- Medicaid / CHIP: with low income, you or your children may qualify for free or low-cost coverage.
Other official resources
- Medicaid.gov
- Medicare.gov (age 65+ or certain disabilities)
- InsureKidsNow.gov (CHIP)
- Your state insurance department (NAIC directory)