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

What is Obamacare? Who qualifies and how to sign up

Obamacare is the Affordable Care Act. It is still the law, and you can still sign up. Here is who qualifies, how it works and what changed.

Illustration of a health plan member ID card, for what Obamacare is and how to sign up.

Last checked October 18, 2026 · Written by licensed advisors · Sources are numbered and listed under Notes and sources

What is Obamacare?

Obamacare is the nickname for the Affordable Care Act, or ACA. It is a federal law signed in 2010. People also use the word for the health plans sold under it.

Every Marketplace plan covers pre-existing conditions and the same core benefits. Many people also get a tax credit that lowers the monthly bill.1

Four names, one system
  • Obamacare: the nickname
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA): the 2010 federal law
  • The Marketplace: where you shop for plans
  • HealthCare.gov or Get Covered Illinois: the websites

What is the health insurance Marketplace?

The Marketplace is the website where you compare and buy ACA plans. In most states it is HealthCare.gov. Illinois runs its own, called Get Covered Illinois.

You can shop there on your own. You can also have a licensed advisor do it with you, at no charge to you.2

Who qualifies for Obamacare?

You qualify if you live in the U.S., you are a citizen, national or lawfully present, you are not incarcerated, and you do not have Medicare.

A tax credit is separate. It is for household incomes from 100% to 400% of the poverty line. In states that expanded Medicaid, including Illinois, lower incomes usually go to Medicaid instead.

If you are not sure whether your immigration status counts, ask an immigration attorney or an accredited representative. We explain plans. We can’t advise on status.34

Can you use the Marketplace?
You can if all of these are true
You live in the U.S.Living here for tax purposes is enough.
You are a citizen, a national or lawfully presentOnly certain immigration statuses count as lawfully present.
You are not incarceratedIncarcerated people can’t enroll.
You do not have MedicareMedicare rules out a Marketplace plan.

How do I sign up for Obamacare?

Apply on HealthCare.gov, or on Get Covered Illinois if you live in Illinois. Open enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs November 1 to January 15.

Choose a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Plans chosen from December 16 to January 15 start February 1. State marketplaces set their own dates.

Outside open enrollment you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage.56

Signing up, step by step
  1. 1. GatherIncome and who is in your household
  2. 2. ApplyHealthCare.gov, or Get Covered Illinois in Illinois
  3. 3. ComparePlans, doctors and prescriptions
  4. 4. ChooseOn HealthCare.gov: by December 15 for January 1 (key step)
  5. 5. PayThe first premium starts your coverage

What to do: Call us before you apply. We check your income estimate, your doctors and your prescriptions first.

Is Obamacare ending?

No. The Affordable Care Act is still the law, and Marketplace plans are still sold for 2027.

What changed is the money. The extra tax credits ended after 2025. Above 4× the poverty line there is no tax credit. Starting with tax year 2026, there is no cap on paying back extra credit.

The most a plan can make you pay in 2027 is $12,000 for one person.789

What changed, and what did not
  1. 2010The Affordable Care Act becomes law
  2. End of 2025The extra tax credits end
  3. 2026Tax credits stop above 4× the poverty line, and repayment has no cap
  4. 2027Plans are still sold on the Marketplace (key step)

What to do: Read what changed for 2027 and what to do about each change.

How much does Obamacare cost?

It depends on your income, age, county and plan. With a tax credit, you are expected to pay a set share of your income toward a benchmark silver plan. In 2027 that share runs from 2.15% to 10.22%.

The credit covers the rest. Above 4× the poverty line you pay the full price.7

Example, not a quote
You are expected to pay toward a benchmark silver plan2.15% to 10.22% of incomeThe 2027 range, for incomes up to 4× the poverty line
The tax credit coversThe rest
Above 4× the poverty lineFull price

What to do: See worked examples by income in the cost guide, or ask us for your own numbers. Example figures are not a quote.

See where your income landsThe plan finder does the math for your household in 30 seconds.

Related guides

Obamacare Hotline and/or Medicare Po Polsku are private companies not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice.

Quick answers

Is Obamacare the same as Medicaid?

No. Medicaid is a separate program for lower incomes, run by each state. Obamacare plans are sold on the Marketplace, and many people get a tax credit toward them.

Does Obamacare cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes. Marketplace plans can’t turn you down or charge you more because of a health condition.

Can I get Obamacare outside open enrollment?

Yes, if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage. You usually have 60 days. If you lose Medicaid or CHIP, HealthCare.gov and Illinois give you up to 90 days.

Is Obamacare Hotline part of the government?

No. Obamacare Hotline and/or Medicare Po Polsku are private companies not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency.

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.

Notes and sources

  1. HealthCare.gov, Affordable Care Act. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  2. HealthCare.gov, Marketplace. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  3. HealthCare.gov, who can use the Marketplace. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  4. HealthCare.gov, lower costs. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  5. HealthCare.gov, dates and deadlines. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  6. HealthCare.gov, special enrollment. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  7. IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  8. Get Covered Illinois, Marketplace changes. Checked October 18, 2026.Back
  9. HealthCare.gov, out-of-pocket maximum. Checked October 18, 2026.Back

You’re leaving Obamacare Hotline

Continue