Skip to main content
๐Ÿฅ ACA / Marketplace Plans

ACA Marketplace Health Insurance

Comprehensive coverage with subsidies available based on your income. No denial for pre-existing conditions. Enroll with the help of a licensed advisor at no cost to you.

Get My Free ACA Quote Check My Subsidy โ†’
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Licensed in 16 States
๐Ÿ’ฐ $0 Cost to You
๐Ÿ“‹ All Major Carriers
โญ 4.9/5 Client Rating

What Is an ACA Marketplace Plan?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a marketplace where Americans can shop for health insurance with consumer protections and income-based subsidies.

Key Protections Under the ACA

  • Cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Cannot be charged more due to health history
  • 10 essential health benefits required by law
  • Free preventive care โ€” no cost to you
  • Children can stay on parents' plan until age 26
  • Annual out-of-pocket maximum limits your exposure
Talk to a Licensed Advisor โ†’

Do You Qualify for a Subsidy?

Most Americans who enroll through the marketplace qualify for a premium tax credit that reduces their monthly cost โ€” sometimes to $0/month.

  • Income between 100%โ€“400% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Extended subsidies available above 400% FPL
  • Not eligible for affordable employer coverage
  • Not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
Check My Subsidy โ†’

ACA Metal Plan Tiers

ACA plans come in four metal tiers. The tier affects your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs โ€” not the quality of care.

๐Ÿฅ‰

Bronze

Lowest Premium
Highest deductible

You pay less per month but more when you use care. Best for healthy people who rarely need services.

๐Ÿฅˆ

Silver

Mid-Range Premium
Moderate deductible

The most popular tier. Required for Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if your income qualifies.

๐Ÿฅ‡

Gold

Higher Premium
Low deductible

Higher monthly cost but lower costs when you use care. Good for people with regular medical needs.

๐Ÿ’Ž

Platinum

Highest Premium
Very low deductible

Maximum coverage. Best for people who use healthcare frequently and want predictable costs.

Not sure which tier is right for you? A licensed advisor can compare your options side by side โ€” free of charge.

ACA Subsidies & Cost Assistance

There are two types of financial assistance available for ACA marketplace plans.

๐Ÿ’ฐ

Premium Tax Credits

Reduces your monthly premium. Based on your income and household size. Applied directly to your plan so you pay less each month.

Household Size~100% FPL~400% FPL
1 person$15,060$60,240
2 people$20,440$81,760
4 people$31,200$124,800

2025 estimates. Exact amounts vary by state and plan.

๐Ÿฅ

Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

Reduces your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum. Only available on Silver plans. Income must be between 100%โ€“250% of FPL.

  • Lower deductibles โ€” sometimes as low as $0
  • Reduced copays for doctor visits and prescriptions
  • Lower out-of-pocket maximum
  • Must choose a Silver plan to receive CSRs
  • Can significantly reduce your total healthcare costs

If your income is under 250% FPL, a Silver plan with CSRs is almost always the best value.

ACA Enrollment Periods

You can only enroll in ACA marketplace plans during specific windows โ€” unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

๐Ÿ“…

Open Enrollment

November 1 โ€“ January 15 each year. Anyone can enroll or switch plans during this period. Coverage starts January 1 or February 1 depending on when you enroll.

โšก

Special Enrollment Period

Outside Open Enrollment, you may qualify if you lost coverage, moved, got married, had a baby, or experienced another qualifying life event. You have 60 days to enroll.

๐Ÿ”„

Medicaid & CHIP

If your income qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll year-round โ€” no enrollment window required. A licensed advisor can check your eligibility instantly.

What ACA Plans Cover

All ACA-compliant plans must cover these 10 essential health benefits.

๐Ÿฅ

Outpatient Care

Doctor visits, preventive care, and services you receive without being admitted to a hospital.

๐Ÿš‘

Emergency Services

Emergency room visits and urgent care. Covered even if you go out of network in a true emergency.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Hospitalization

Surgery, overnight stays, and inpatient care when you need to be admitted to a hospital.

๐Ÿคฐ

Maternity & Newborn

Prenatal care, labor, delivery, and newborn care. All covered under ACA-compliant plans.

๐Ÿง 

Mental Health

Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment.

๐Ÿ’Š

Prescription Drugs

Covered medications from the plan's formulary. Generic drugs typically have the lowest copays.

๐Ÿฆฝ

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and devices to help recovery.

๐Ÿ”ฌ

Lab Services

Blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests ordered by your doctor.

โœ…

Preventive Care

Annual checkups, vaccines, screenings, and counseling โ€” covered at no cost to you.

ACA Plan Questions Answered

ACA marketplace plans are health insurance plans sold through the federal or state marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. They offer comprehensive coverage and cannot deny you for pre-existing conditions.
ACA subsidies (premium tax credits) reduce your monthly premium based on your income and household size. If your income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify. Extended subsidies are available above 400% FPL under current law.
ACA Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 through January 15 each year. Outside this window, you need a qualifying life event to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.
All ACA plans must cover 10 essential health benefits: outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity care, mental health, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, lab services, preventive care, and pediatric services.
No. ACA-compliant plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition. This is one of the most important protections under the Affordable Care Act.

Ready to Find Your ACA Plan?

A licensed advisor will compare every plan available in your area and find the best option for your budget โ€” at no cost to you.

Ready to enroll on your own?
Scan & goEnroll directly via HealthSherpa