How can I get lower costs on Marketplace coverage?
When you use the Health Insurance Marketplace you may be able to get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs, or get free or low-cost coverage.
3 ways to save on health care coverage
You can save money in the Health Insurance Marketplace 3 ways. All of them depend on your income and family size.
- You may be able to lower costs on your monthly premiums when you enroll in a private health insurance plan. These plans all cover essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions.
- You may qualify for lower out-of-pocket costs for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
- You or your child may get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Some states will be expanding Medicaid eligibility in 2014, so you may qualify even if you have been turned down for Medicaid in the past.
You can apply any time during open enrollment, which began October 1 and continues through the end of March. You'll find out what plans and premiums are available to you and see how much you will save. Most people who apply will qualify for lower costs of some kind. Coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014.
Get an estimate of your costs and savings
You can get a rough estimate of your potential costs and savings by browsing plans and sample prices in your area or by using the Kaiser Family Foundation calculator.
Important Note: Premium amounts in the plans and sample prices tool are only examples, based on a limited set of sample ages and scenarios. They may not fully reflect your individual situation. Actual plan pricing can change based on your household size, ages, and tobacco use, and your costs may be lower based on your income. You'll get final quotes for specific plans based on your income and household after you complete a Marketplace application.
By using both the Kaiser calculator and the plans and prices tool together, you'll be able to see the plans and full prices available, and find out whether you'll qualify for lower costs.
Questions? Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)
More answers
What if I can't afford insurance?
When you fill out a Marketplace health insurance application, you'll find out whether you can get lower costs on your monthly premium or out-of-pocket costs. This may make insurance more affordable than you think.
Depending on your income, you may be able to get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Medicaid is expanding in many states in 2014, meaning you may qualify in 2014 even if you haven't qualified in the past. When you apply, the Marketplace will tell you if you qualify under your state's rules.
In the meantime, you or your child may qualify now for free or low cost health coverage through Medicaid and/or CHIP.
When you apply for coverage, the Marketplace will determine whether coverage is affordable for your income level. If coverage is not considered affordable to you, you will not have to pay the fee that other people who do not have coverage may face.
If you have no insurance, you can use a community health center in your area to get health care.
