Already a client? ID cards, renewals and carrier logins(844) 944-7526By calling this number, you will reach a licensed insurance agent.
ObamaCare Hotline
Get my free quoteFree quote

Marketplace (ACA) health plans, explained

Plans sold through HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace, like Get Covered Illinois. Every plan covers pre-existing conditions and the same core benefits, and many people get a tax credit that lowers the bill.

At a glance

What it isFull health plans sold through HealthCare.gov or your state.MoreLess

States like Illinois run their own marketplace, such as Get Covered Illinois. Every plan covers pre-existing conditions and the same core benefits.

Read more: What is Obamacare?

What you getDoctor, hospital and prescription coverage, often with a tax credit.MoreLess

Your credit depends on your household income estimate for the year. Bronze, silver and gold trade a lower premium against what you pay when you get care.

Read more: The tax credit, explained

Good ifYour income is between about 1× and 4× the poverty line, or anyone in your family has a health condition.MoreLess

Marketplace plans can’t turn you down or charge more for a condition. Under about 2.5× the poverty line, silver plans also cut your deductible and copays.

Keep in mindNo tax credit at all above 4× the poverty line.MoreLess

That’s $63,840 for one person in 2027. If you earn more than you estimated, you repay the extra credit at tax time.

Read more: The subsidy cliff

Keep in mind

What you should know before you choose. We would rather you hear it from us now.

Your income estimate matters

If you earn more than you estimated, you pay the extra credit back at tax time. Starting with tax year 2026 there is no cap on that repayment.

Help stops completely above 4×

Earn more than 4× the poverty line ($63,840 for one person, $132,000 for a family of four in 2027) and there is no tax credit at all.

Networks differ by plan

A cheaper plan may not include your doctor or hospital. We check your doctors and prescriptions before you choose.

Out-of-pocket can still be high

The most a plan can make you pay in 2027 is $12,000 for one person. A low premium usually means a higher number here.

Obamacare Hotline and/or Medicare Po Polsku are private companies not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency.

Pair it with these supplementals

Hospital indemnityWhen it paysYou’re admitted to the hospital.See the full card Dental and visionGood ifYour health plan leaves out adult dental and vision.Learn more Accident coverageWhen it paysYou have a covered injury.See the full card

Supplementals work alongside your health plan and do not replace it. Hospital indemnity and critical illness policies are not health insurance coverage. Costs depend on your age and plan; we go through them in your free consultation.

Compare it with

Private health plansCan cost less for healthy people above 4×, with health questions and no tax credit.Learn more Short-term plansA bridge for a few months. Not ACA-compliant.Learn more Group plansFor business owners with employees.Learn more

Questions people ask

Is the Marketplace the government?

The Marketplace is run by the federal government or your state. We are a private, licensed agency. We help you compare plans and enroll, at no cost to you.

Can I keep my doctor?

It depends on each plan's network. Tell us your doctors and prescriptions and we check them against every plan before you choose.

What if my income changes during the year?

Report it to the Marketplace so your credit can be adjusted. Otherwise the difference is settled when you file your taxes.

Does it cost anything to work with you?

No. You pay the same premium whether you enroll with us or on your own.

Get my free quote

  1. 1Answer a few questions
    Your situation first. Contact details come last.
  2. 2A licensed advisor calls you
    Within 24 hours.
  3. 3We go through every option
    With what to keep in mind on each one. It costs you nothing.

We never sell your information.

Rather talk now?

(844) 944-7526

By calling this number, you will reach a licensed insurance agent.

Step 1 of 4About 2 minutes

If you used the plan finder, we fill these in for you. Next: ages and income, then doctors and add-ons, then your contact details and consent.

You’re leaving Obamacare Hotline

Continue