Affordable Health Insurance on the Marketplace
Finding Affordable Health Insurance on the Marketplace can be tough, but don’t worry.
The Health Insurance Marketplace offers many options to help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Low-Cost Options are Available
The Health Insurance Marketplace helps everyone find affordable health insurance, regardless of income level. If you don’t have insurance through work or need a cheaper plan, the Marketplace has options for you.
Subsidies to Lower Costs:
- Premium Tax Credits: If your income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you can get help paying for your plan.
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): If you qualify for a Silver plan and your income is between 100% and 250% of the FPL, you can get help with costs like deductibles and copayments.
Tip: Use the Marketplace’s subsidy calculator to see how much help you can get.
Free Health Insurance: Medicaid and CHIP
If you have a low income, you might qualify for Medicaid, which offers free or low-cost health coverage. CHIP is for families with children who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance.
Medicaid Eligibility:
- Low-income adults
- Pregnant women
- Children under 19
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
CHIP Eligibility:
- Children up to age 19 in families with too much income for Medicaid but not enough for private insurance
- Includes doctor visits, immunizations, prescriptions, and hospital care
Tip: You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP any time of the year.
Affordable Health Plans for Specific Groups
- Pregnant Women:
- Medicaid and CHIP can cover prenatal visits, labor, and delivery.
- Many Marketplace plans also cover maternity care.
- Tip: Apply for coverage as soon as possible if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Young Adults (Under 26):
- You can stay on your parent’s plan or get your own through the Marketplace.
- You may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums.
- Tip: Apply during open enrollment to avoid gaps in coverage.
- Undocumented Immigrants:
- Not eligible for Marketplace plans or subsidies, but may qualify for Medicaid in some states.
- In Illinois, some undocumented individuals may get Medicaid, especially if pregnant or under 19.
- Tip: Check local resources for other state-funded programs.
How to Apply for Affordable or Free Health Plans
- Visit HealthCare.gov and create an account.
- Fill out the application with your household and income information.
- Compare plans to find the best fit.
- Apply for Medicaid or CHIP if you qualify.
Get Help with Your Enrollment
Don’t wait—find affordable health insurance or apply for Medicaid or CHIP. Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness can help you with the process.
Call to talk to one of our Enrollment Assisters, or visit our Health Insurance Resources page to get started.
Remember, open enrollment runs until January 15, 2025.
The ABCs of Health Insurance
