Are You Earning Too Little to Get Health Coverage? Here’s What the ACA Says

It can be confusing and frustrating when you don’t qualify for health insurance. You may feel like you’re stuck in a Catch-22: you don’t have enough money to pay for health insurance, but you also don’t make enough money to qualify for government assistance.

So, what do you do if you’re in this situation?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Americans. One of the ways the ACA does this is by providing subsidies to help people pay for health insurance. These subsidies are available to people who earn up to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

In 2024, the 400% FPL is $57,820 for an individual and $119,080 for a family of four.

If you earn less than 400% of the FPL, you may qualify for a subsidy to help you pay for health insurance. The amount of the subsidy you receive will depend on your income and the number of people in your household.

If you earn below the poverty level, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage to low-income Americans. Medicaid eligibility varies from state to state, but in general, you must meet certain income and resource requirements to qualify.

In some states, you may be eligible for Medicaid even if you earn above the poverty level. This is because many states have expanded Medicaid eligibility under the ACA.

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or a subsidy, you can still purchase health insurance on the health insurance marketplace. However, you will have to pay the full cost of the premiums.

If you can’t afford to pay the full cost of health insurance, you may be able to get help from a health insurance agent. A health insurance agent can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget. They can also help you apply for subsidies.

Don’t give up if you don’t qualify for health insurance right away. There are many resources available to help you get the coverage you need.

Here are some additional tips for getting health insurance if you earn low income:

Apply for Medicaid. Even if you don’t think you qualify, it’s worth applying. Medicaid eligibility can change from year to year, so you may be eligible now even if you weren’t eligible in the past. If you’re not sure if you qualify for Medicaid, you should contact your state Medicaid agency.
Apply for a subsidy. If you earn less than 400% of the FPL, you may qualify for a subsidy to help you pay for health insurance. You can apply for a subsidy when you apply for health insurance on the health insurance marketplace.
Get help from a health insurance agent. A health insurance agent can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget. They can also help you apply for subsidies.

Don’t give up if you need help getting health insurance. There are many resources available to assist you in obtaining the coverage you require.