The ACA Marketplace
Private health plans with income-based subsidies. 4 in 5 enrollees pay $10/month or less.
Last updated: May 2026
The ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov and state-run exchanges) is where individuals and families who don't get coverage through a job or government program buy private health insurance. About 4 in 5 enrollees qualify for premium tax credits that bring monthly premiums to $0–$10.
Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage
- November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 on HealthCare.gov.
- Enroll by December 15, 2025 for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
- State-run exchanges (CA, NY, NJ, WA, etc.) often have longer windows.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Outside of Open Enrollment you can still sign up within 60 days of a qualifying life event:
- Losing job-based coverage, Medicaid, or CHIP
- Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or death in the household
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county
- A change in income that makes you newly eligible for tax credits
- Becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining lawful status
Households earning under 150% FPL can enroll any time of year.
Premium Tax Credits
Premium tax credits cap how much you pay for a benchmark Silver plan at a percentage of your income, on a sliding scale up to 8.5% — even for households above 400% FPL, thanks to the enhanced subsidies currently extended through 2025. The credit is applied directly to your monthly premium so you never have to wait for a refund.
Metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
- Bronze: lowest premium, highest out-of-pocket. Best for the healthy.
- Silver: balanced — and the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions.
- Gold: higher premium, lower out-of-pocket. Best if you use care often.
- Platinum: highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket. Rare and pricey.
- Catastrophic: only for under-30s and hardship exemptions.
What every Marketplace plan must cover
- Preventive care (screenings, vaccines, annual physicals) at $0
- Emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription drugs
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Pediatric services, including dental and vision
- No denials for pre-existing conditions and no lifetime caps
See what you qualify for — free, in under 2 minutes.
Answer a few quick questions and a licensed advisor in your state will walk you through your options. No SSN required, no obligation.