Not yet 65? Don't have employer coverage? We'll help you find the right plan. Learn about marketplace plans, subsidies, and private insurance options that fit your budget and health needs.
ACA marketplace plans are available to most U.S. citizens and legal residents who don't have access to affordable employer coverage and aren't eligible for Medicare. Financial assistance (premium tax credits) makes these plans significantly more affordable for many families.
The government offers premium tax credits based on your household income. The lower your income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), the more help you get. Many families are surprised to find they qualify for hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.
Sarah, age 40, single, earning $35,000/year:
Full price for a Silver plan in her area: $450/month
Tax credit/subsidy she qualifies for: −$310/month
What Sarah actually pays: $140/month for comprehensive health coverage including doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and preventive care.
The Martinez family — 2 adults (both 38), 2 kids, household income $65,000/year:
Full price for a family Silver plan: $1,400/month
Tax credit/subsidy: −$980/month
What the family actually pays: $420/month for the whole family. Kids get dental and vision included, and preventive care is $0.
James and Linda, both age 60, married, household income $80,000/year:
Full price for a Bronze plan in their area: $1,420/month
Premium tax credit they qualify for: −$1,420/month
What James and Linda actually pay: $0/month for a Bronze plan that still covers preventive care, doctor visits, prescriptions, and protects them from catastrophic costs. At $80,000 they are still under the 400% poverty line for a household of two, so they keep a subsidy, and because benchmark premiums rise with age, their credit is large enough to fully cover a Bronze plan. They could also apply that same credit toward a Silver plan for lower deductibles and copays for a modest monthly cost.
ACA plans come in tiers — Bronze (lowest premium, highest out-of-pocket), Silver, Gold, and Platinum (highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket). There's no "best" tier — it depends on how often you use healthcare.
Every marketplace plan covers 10 essential health benefits:
If your income is above the subsidy threshold — or you want options outside the marketplace — private individual health insurance plans are available. These can sometimes offer better networks, lower deductibles, or more flexibility.
Same essential benefits as marketplace plans but purchased directly from an insurance carrier. You won't get a tax credit, but you may find better provider networks or pricing. Ideal if your income is too high for subsidies.
Typical cost: $350–$700/month for an individual depending on age and plan tier.
Temporary coverage for gaps between jobs or while waiting for other coverage. Lower premiums but limited benefits — not ACA-compliant and may not cover pre-existing conditions. Good as a bridge, not a long-term solution.
Typical cost: $100–$300/month for limited coverage.
Membership-based programs where members share medical costs. Not technically insurance, but can be a lower-cost alternative for healthy individuals. May have sharing limits and aren't regulated like insurance.
Typical cost: $150–$400/month depending on the program and share level.
Not sure if you qualify for a subsidy? Let us run the numbers — it takes about 5 minutes. Many people earning $50,000–$80,000+ still qualify for meaningful help. It never hurts to check.
Shopping the marketplace on your own can be confusing, and the cheapest premium is rarely the cheapest plan once you factor in deductibles and copays. Here is what working with one of our licensed agents looks like, at no cost to you.
We calculate exactly what premium tax credit you qualify for based on your household and income, so you see your true monthly cost before you commit, not the sticker price.
We weigh premium, deductible, and expected out-of-pocket together across Bronze, Silver, and Gold, so you pick the plan that costs the least for how you actually use care.
We check that your current doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are in network before you enroll, so there are no surprises in January.
We complete the application with you, set up your account, and stay available all year for changes, income updates, and questions at renewal.
Free to you. We are paid by the insurance carriers when you enroll, so our help never costs you anything, and we are licensed in all 50 states.
We've helped hundreds of families find affordable coverage that works for their health and budget. Let's find the right plan for you — free consultation, no pressure.
Looking for Medicare resources?
Visit our Medicare page →