What Is the ACA Marketplace?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), often called Obamacare, created a federal health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop for, compare, and enroll in health coverage. The marketplace — available at Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange — is open to anyone who doesn't have access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
What makes the ACA marketplace unique is the system of premium tax credits (subsidies) that lower your monthly costs based on your income. Most people who shop on the marketplace qualify for some level of financial assistance.
ACA Metal Tiers Explained
Every ACA plan falls into one of four "metal" categories based on how you and the plan split costs:
- Bronze: Lowest monthly premium, highest out-of-pocket costs. Best if you rarely use healthcare.
- Silver: Mid-range premiums. If your income qualifies, Silver plans also unlock Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) that dramatically lower your deductible and copays.
- Gold: Higher monthly premium, lower out-of-pocket costs. Best if you use healthcare regularly.
- Platinum: Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket. Best for those with frequent, high-cost medical needs.
Key insight: If your income is between 100%–250% of the Federal Poverty Level, always compare Silver plans first — the CSRs available only on Silver can be worth thousands of dollars annually.
Who Qualifies for ACA Subsidies?
Two types of financial aid are available through the ACA:
- Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): Lower your monthly premium. Available if your income is between 100%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The American Rescue Plan temporarily extended credits to people earning above 400% FPL — this has been extended through 2025.
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum. Only available on Silver-tier plans for incomes between 100%–250% FPL.
Use our ACA subsidy calculator to estimate how much financial help you may qualify for based on your household income and size.
2026 ACA Open Enrollment Dates
The ACA Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the window during which you can enroll in or change Marketplace coverage:
- Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15 (most states). Some state exchanges extend to January 31.
- Coverage Start: Plans enrolled by December 15 start January 1. Plans enrolled by January 15 typically start February 1.
Outside of open enrollment, you can only enroll or change plans if you experience a qualifying life event — such as losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new state.
Find Plans in Your Area
eHealth connects you with licensed agents who can compare plans across all carriers in your state — at no additional cost to you.
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How to Choose the Right ACA Plan
Beyond the metal tier, consider these factors when selecting a plan:
- Network: Make sure your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network. Out-of-network care can be extremely expensive.
- Prescription drugs: Check that your medications are on the plan's formulary and understand your copay tier.
- Total annual cost: Add your estimated annual premiums plus likely out-of-pocket costs — not just the monthly premium.
- HMO vs PPO: HMOs require referrals but are usually cheaper. PPOs offer more flexibility but higher premiums.
ACA for Self-Employed and Freelancers
If you're self-employed, the ACA Marketplace is likely your best option for health coverage. You can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums as a business expense, and you may qualify for significant subsidies if your net self-employment income falls within eligible ranges.
See our full guide on ACA plans for self-employed workers for detailed strategies to maximize your coverage while minimizing costs.
ACA vs. Medicaid: Which Applies to You?
Your income determines whether you qualify for Medicaid (free or very low-cost coverage through your state) or ACA Marketplace subsidies. See our ACA vs Medicaid comparison to understand which program applies to your income level and state.
Getting Help with Enrollment
Navigating ACA options can be complex. Free help is available from:
- Navigators: Federally funded enrollment assisters in your community
- Certified Application Counselors (CACs): Trained helpers at community organizations
- Licensed insurance brokers: Can compare plans across carriers. Services are free to you — brokers are paid by insurers.