Call
Speak with a Licensed Agent
(803) 761-0222
Your Complete ACA Guide

Secure Your Health.
Protect Your Wealth.

Health insurance shouldn't be a luxury. Through the ACA Marketplace, comprehensive coverage is more accessible and affordable than ever. Here's everything you need to know, in plain English.

Why an ACA Plan Is the Smartest Move You Can Make

100% Free Preventive Care

Routine wellness visits, cancer screenings, immunizations, and preventive medications, all at $0 when you use an in-network provider. No copay, no deductible.

Guaranteed Coverage

You can never be denied coverage, charged more, or face exclusions because of a pre-existing condition. Your health history does not determine your eligibility.

Massive Financial Subsidies

Most enrollees qualify for Premium Tax Credits that act as instant, upfront discounts. Many also get Cost-Sharing Reductions that slash deductibles and copays.

Built for the Self-Employed

Freelancers, gig workers, and business owners, you don't need an employer to get top-tier coverage. Apply based on estimated income and still qualify for subsidies.

Comprehensive Coverage

ACA plans are not "junk" insurance. Every plan covers 10 Essential Health Benefits, emergencies, hospitalizations, prescriptions, maternity, mental health, and more.

How ACA Plans Work

An ACA plan works like traditional health insurance. You pay a monthly premium, and when you receive care, costs are shared between you and the insurer. Here are the key terms:

Monthly Premium

What you pay each month to keep your plan active. Subsidies can reduce this to $0 for many families.

Deductible

The amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Preventive care and some services are covered before the deductible.

Copay

A fixed dollar amount per service, like $30 for a doctor visit or $10 for a prescription.

Coinsurance

Your percentage share after the deductible, e.g., you pay 20%, the insurer pays 80%.

Out-of-Pocket Max

The most important protection. Once you hit this limit, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.

Plan Tiers Explained

ACA plans come in four "metal tiers" that reflect how costs are split between you and the insurer. The tier doesn't affect the quality of care, only how much you pay upfront vs. at the doctor.

TierInsurer / YouPremiumOut-of-PocketBest For
Bronze60 / 40LowestHighestHealthy individuals who want catastrophic protection at the lowest monthly cost.
Silver70 / 30ModerateModerateBest value, especially if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions that dramatically lower deductibles.
Gold80 / 20HigherLowerFrequent healthcare users, chronic conditions, or those who want predictable costs.
Platinum90 / 10HighestLowestVery high medical needs, pay more monthly but almost nothing at the doctor.

10 Essential Health Benefits

Every ACA plan, regardless of tier or carrier, is required by federal law to cover these 10 categories. No "junk" insurance. No hidden gaps.

Doctor Visits

Primary care, specialists, and outpatient procedures without a hospital stay.

Emergency Services

ER visits covered at any hospital, even out-of-network, with no prior authorization needed.

Hospitalization

Inpatient care, surgery, and overnight stays, the financial firewall against catastrophic bills.

Maternity & Newborn

Pregnancy, prenatal visits, labor, delivery, and newborn care, fully covered, not an add-on.

Mental Health

Therapy, counseling, and substance use treatment with the same coverage as physical health.

Prescriptions

Generic and brand-name medications for chronic conditions, infections, and ongoing treatments.

Rehab Services

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and devices to recover or maintain daily function.

Lab & Diagnostics

Blood work, imaging, X-rays, and testing to catch conditions early and monitor treatment.

Preventive & Wellness

Screenings, immunizations, and counseling to keep you healthy, at $0 out-of-pocket.

Pediatric Care

Comprehensive children's healthcare including dental and vision, not optional under ACA.

Free Preventive Care, $0, No Deductible

When you use an in-network provider, these services are fully covered with no copay, no coinsurance, and no deductible. The ACA removes every financial barrier to staying healthy.

๐Ÿ‘ค All Adults

  • Annual wellness visit
  • Blood pressure & cholesterol screening
  • Colorectal cancer screening (ages 45โ€“75)
  • Lung cancer screening (heavy smokers 50โ€“80)
  • Type 2 diabetes screening
  • Hepatitis B & C, HIV, and STI testing
  • Depression & alcohol misuse screening
  • Flu shot, shingles, HPV & all recommended vaccines
  • Obesity counseling & diet interventions
  • Tobacco cessation (patches, gum, medications)
  • PrEP (HIV prevention) for high-risk adults
  • Statin medication for heart disease prevention

๐Ÿ‘ฉ Women

  • All FDA-approved contraceptives at $0
  • Mammograms every 1โ€“2 years (40+)
  • Cervical cancer screening (Pap smears)
  • BRCA genetic counseling for high-risk women
  • Gestational diabetes & preeclampsia screening
  • Breastfeeding support, counseling & supplies
  • Folic acid & iron supplements
  • Domestic violence screening & counseling
  • Annual well-woman visit

๐Ÿ‘ถ Children

  • Newborn screenings (hearing, bilirubin, PKU)
  • Well-baby & well-child visits
  • Autism screening at 18 and 24 months
  • Height, weight, BMI, vision & hearing checks
  • Lead exposure screening
  • Fluoride varnish & supplements
  • Full childhood immunization schedule (DTaP, MMR, Polio, etc.)

How Subsidies Make Plans Affordable

The ACA runs on a dual-subsidy engine designed to lower both your monthly bill and your costs at the doctor. Most enrollees qualify for at least one.

Premium Tax Credits

Avg. savings: $579/mo

A direct, upfront discount on your monthly premium based on household income. Many families pay less than $10/mo after credits. The subsidy dynamically absorbs insurer price increases so you stay protected from inflation.

Cost-Sharing Reductions

Available on Silver plans

If your income is between 100โ€“250% FPL and you choose a Silver plan, the insurer automatically upgrades it, slashing your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket max. A $750 deductible can drop to $300. No extra paperwork required.

2026 Income Eligibility (Federal Poverty Level)

HouseholdMin IncomeFull Subsidy Range
1 Person$15,060$15,060 โ€“ $60,240
2 People$20,440$20,440 โ€“ $81,760
3 People$25,820$25,820 โ€“ $103,280
4 People$31,200$31,200 โ€“ $124,800
5 People$36,580$36,580 โ€“ $146,320

Earn above 400% FPL? You may still qualify under the enhanced subsidies extended through recent legislation. Always check, don't assume you earn too much.

Why Work With a Licensed Agent?

Choosing the right plan is about more than the lowest premium. A licensed agent helps you compare the details that actually matter, for free.

Whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network
Whether your prescriptions are covered and what they'll cost
The difference between premium, deductible, and total yearly cost
Whether you qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions
Which tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold) fits your health needs and budget
Avoiding costly mistakes that could leave you underinsured

Our service is 100% free. We're paid by insurance carriers, so our guidance is always unbiased and costs you nothing.

Ready to Compare Your Options?

We'll review available plans, check for savings, compare doctors and prescriptions, and find coverage that fits your life and budget.

See If You Qualify Call (803) 761-0222