Affordable Care Act: how to find a health plan

“I need to find health insurance. Currently, I am not covered. I’m working with a contractor and their insurance is expensive. Can you suggest what I need to do now?”

Working but Uninsured

 

Dear Working but Uninsured, 

If you are not offered an employer-based plan and you earn less than 400% of Federal Poverty ($45,960 for a household of one), then you can go to the health “exchange” to find a plan. These plans would also offer you government help to pay for them. Your state may be running its own health exchange; if so, you may have better luck getting through the enrollment process. You can get to your state’s exchange by visiting healthcare.gov and clicking on your state.

If you earn more than 400% of Federal Poverty, then you will buy your plan “off exchange”. Your best bet is to find a health insurance agent to help you. You can ask friends for a referral to an agent or find one at the National Association of Health Underwriters Directory.

Linda Riddell

About Linda Riddell

A published author and health policy analyst with 25 years’ experience, Linda Riddell's goal is to alleviate the widespread ailment of not knowing what your health plan can do for you.