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Marketplace 2026 Clear planswith free expert guidance
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What is Marketplace coverage
Marketplace coverage, also known as Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act (ACA), lets you buy private health insurance with federal subsidies that lower your monthly premium and, in many cases, your copays and deductibles too. About 4 in 5 enrollees pay $10 or less per month thanks to enhanced subsidies still active in 2026.
The four metal levels
Bronze Plan
Lowest premium, higher deductible. Ideal if you rarely use medical services and want protection against emergencies. The plan pays about 60% of covered costs.
Silver Plan
Most popular. If you qualify for lower income subsidies, you also get Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) that reduce copays and deductibles. Covers about 70% of costs.
Gold Plan
Higher premium, lower deductible and copays. Good option if you use medical services often or have conditions requiring regular care. Covers about 80%.
Platinum Plan
Highest Marketplace premium, minimal deductibles and very low copays. For those who need maximum coverage without surprises. Covers about 90% of costs.
Enrollment periods
The Marketplace has two main periods when you can enroll without proving a life change:
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP): November 1 to January 15 each year. For coverage starting January 1, enroll before December 15.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): 60 days after a qualifying event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, moving, losing employer coverage, significant income changes.
- Continuous enrollment for Native Americans and people with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Automatic renewal: if you already have a plan, in December you are re-enrolled in the same or a similar one. It is worth reviewing before January 15.
Who qualifies for Marketplace
Individuals and families
Citizens or legal residents who do not have access to affordable employer insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. About 9 in 10 receive some subsidy.
Self-employed workers
Freelancers, contractors, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Insurance costs may be tax-deductible depending on your tax situation.
Recently lost coverage
If you lost employer insurance, left Medicaid or turned 26 leaving your parents plan, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Eligible income
Families with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level get subsidies. Some Silver plans with CSR are nearly free for low incomes.
What your ACA plan covers
- Preventive care with no copay: vaccines, routine exams, mammograms, colonoscopies
- Hospitalization and emergency services
- Pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care
- Pediatric services including dental and vision for children
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services and substance abuse treatment
- Physical, occupational therapy and rehabilitation services
- Laboratory tests and analysis
- Pre-existing conditions covered with no exceptions
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a citizen to qualify?
No. Permanent residents (Green Card), refugees, asylees, DACA recipients and other legal statuses qualify. Undocumented people do not qualify, but their citizen children do.
How much does insurance cost?
It depends on your income, age, zip code and family size. About 4 in 5 people pay $10 or less per month with subsidies. We help you calculate your real cost in minutes.
Can I keep my doctor?
If your doctor is in the plan network, yes. Each plan has its own network of doctors and hospitals. We help you find plans that include your current providers.
What happens if my income changes during the year?
You must report it to the Marketplace as soon as it changes. If your income drops, you could qualify for more subsidies. If it goes up, you might owe money at tax time. Reporting on time protects you.
Does Obamacare cover dental for adults?
ACA medical plans do not include adult dental by default. You can buy a separate dental plan on the Marketplace or outside.
What is the difference between Marketplace and Medicaid?
Medicaid is free but only for very low incomes and varies by state. Marketplace is for slightly higher incomes with subsidies. If your income is low, we connect you with Medicaid; if it is slightly higher, with subsidized Marketplace.
Ready to review your Marketplace plan?
A licensed advisor calls you, calculates your subsidies, compares plans and helps you enroll. No cost, no pressure.