Under Affordable Care Act (ACA) taking effect in 2014, all the US citizens and permanent residents under 65 of age are eligible to apply for health insurance. The Health Insurance Marketplace, also termed “exchange” was established. It is a service available in every state that helps individuals, families, and small businesses to shop for and enroll in affordable medical insurance. You probably heard of the terms on-exchange and off-exchange. On-exchange means you shop in the government established Marketplace. Off-exchange means you shop directly at insurance companies mostly through your insurance brokers or agents.
The benefit of going to Marketplace (on-exchange) is you can get financial help, such as federal tax credits to reduce your monthly premium cost. The service is accessible through websites, call centers, and in-person assistance. In California, the Marketplace is called Covered California. The federal poverty level (FPL) is used to determine eligibility for financial help and programs. Here is a chart to determine your eligibility for help according to your income level. For consultation please contact us.
Those who earn higher income so not eligible for government subsidy, can enroll in Individual and Family plans through insurance carriers such as Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser, etc. For consultation please contact us as well.