The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a framework for individual and family health insurance, including Marketplace plans, financial assistance for eligible people, and protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The right next step depends on your household, location, income, current coverage, and timing.
Understand the basics
Learn how Marketplace applications, plan categories, premiums, and cost-sharing fit together.
How coverage works →Review potential assistance
Understand premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions without assuming you qualify.
Financial assistance →Compare real plan details
Review the monthly premium, deductible, network, prescription list, and maximum out-of-pocket cost.
Plan comparison worksheet →What is an ACA Marketplace plan?
A Marketplace plan is individual or family health insurance offered through a federal or state-based Health Insurance Marketplace. Depending on applicable rules and a household's circumstances, some applicants may qualify for financial help with premiums or other covered costs. Plan availability and prices vary by location and coverage year.
What should I compare?
- The monthly premium and any applicable financial assistance.
- The deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Whether preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are in network.
- The prescription drug formulary and any coverage requirements.
- Benefits, exclusions, referral rules, and the plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
Where should I begin?
Use the official HealthCare.gov plan preview to explore plan and price information available for your location. Actual eligibility, subsidy amounts, and enrollment are determined through the applicable Marketplace process—not by this educational website.