Affordable Health Insurance: What’s Available Under the ACA?

Affordable Health Insurance: What’s Available Under the ACA?

Are you self-employed and struggling to find affordable health insurance? You’re not alone. Many people who work for themselves find the cost of health insurance to be prohibitive. Developed under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare), the health insurance Marketplace can help you find a plan that fits your budget.

What is the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Marketplace is an online marketplace where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans from private insurers. The plans offered on the Marketplace must meet certain standards, including covering essential health benefits like doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.

Who is Eligible for ACA Health Insurance?

Most people are eligible for health insurance through the Marketplace, regardless of their income or health status. However, there are some exceptions. For example, you are not eligible if you are eligible for health insurance through an employer or if you are incarcerated.

How to Apply for ACA Health Insurance

You can apply for ACA health insurance through the Marketplace website at HealthCare.gov. You can also apply by phone or through a licensed insurance agent or broker.

What are the Costs of ACA Health Insurance?

The cost of ACA health insurance varies depending on your income, age, and location. However, you may be eligible for premium tax credits to help lower your costs. Premium tax credits are available to people with incomes between 138% and 400% of the federal poverty level.

What are the Benefits of ACA Health Insurance?

ACA health insurance plans offer a number of benefits, including:

Coverage for essential health benefits: ACA health insurance plans must cover essential health benefits, such as doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
No annual or lifetime limits on coverage: ACA health insurance plans cannot impose annual or lifetime limits on coverage.
Protections for people with pre-existing conditions: ACA health insurance plans cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums to people with pre-existing conditions.
Preventive care without a deductible: ACA health insurance plans must cover preventive care, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and childhood vaccinations, without requiring you to pay a deductible.

How to Get Help with ACA Health Insurance

If you need help with ACA health insurance, you can contact the Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596. You can also get help from a licensed insurance agent or broker.

Conclusion

ACA health insurance can help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. If you are self-employed or do not have health insurance through an employer, the Marketplace is a great place to start your search for coverage.