What is Obamacare / ACA?
Obamacare is the common name for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a federal law that established rules for individual health coverage. Among other protections, ACA-compliant plans cannot deny coverage or charge more because of a preexisting condition.
How the Health Insurance Marketplace works
The Marketplace lets consumers compare plans available in their area, review estimated costs, and apply for coverage. HealthCare.gov serves many states; California and Pennsylvania operate their own state marketplaces.
The application uses household, residency, and expected-income information to determine available options and possible financial assistance.
Who can apply
Generally, a person must live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national or have an eligible immigration status, and not be incarcerated. Eligibility to enroll and eligibility for financial assistance are separate determinations.
Financial assistance and subsidies
A premium tax credit may lower monthly cost for eligible households. Its calculation can consider expected income, household size, location, and the available benchmark plan.
Income should be estimated carefully and updated when it changes. Final amounts may be reconciled on a federal tax return. Financial assistance is not guaranteed.
Quick income and federal poverty level guide
The HHS Poverty Guidelines are used as a reference in various coverage and assistance programs. This table is only a general guide.
| People in household | 100% | 150% | 200% | 250% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $39,900 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $54,100 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $68,300 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $82,500 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $58,020 | $77,360 | $96,700 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $66,540 | $88,720 | $110,900 |
General guide based on the 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines. Income level alone does not determine eligibility for coverage or financial assistance.
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is the annual period when many people may apply for or change Marketplace coverage without a special event. Dates can change and some state marketplaces use different calendars, so always confirm the current period.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Certain life changes may open a special period, including loss of qualifying coverage, a move, marriage, or birth. The event, application deadline, and required documents must be verified for each situation.
What happens if you lose Medicaid
Losing Medicaid or CHIP may create a Special Enrollment Period. Keep the termination notice, verify the loss date, and compare options promptly to reduce the risk of a coverage gap.
What Marketplace plans generally cover
ACA-compliant plans include categories of essential health benefits such as outpatient care, emergencies, hospitalization, prescriptions, mental health, maternity, rehabilitation, laboratory services, prevention, and pediatric care. Details, networks, and costs vary by plan.
Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum
Metal categories describe how costs are shared on average between the plan and member; they do not measure quality of care.
- Bronze: often pairs a lower premium with higher costs when care is used.
- Silver: the category tied to cost-sharing reductions for eligible consumers who choose a Silver plan.
- Gold: often has a higher premium and lower costs when services are used.
- Platinum: may cover a larger share of costs but is not available everywhere.
Information needed to apply
Preparing accurate information makes the application easier.
- Names, birth dates, and relationships for household members.
- Address, county, and contact details.
- Citizenship or immigration information when applicable.
- Current and expected household income.
- Information about employer coverage or other programs.
- Doctors, prescriptions, and care needs you want to compare.
Obamacare in Florida
Florida uses HealthCare.gov. Options are organized by county and may change each year. Before choosing, review provider networks, prescriptions, cost sharing, and the effective date—not just the monthly premium.