Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans

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The Marketplace ACA Plans also referred to as Obamacare or Individual and Family plans are all the same thing.  If you buy your own health insurance then this is for you.  The ACA plans go by  Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum metal levels.

Bronze- this plan is a good choice if you use very little medical services and want protection against serious illnesses and injuries.   Deductibles can be very high meaning you will be out of pocket thousands of dollars before your plan starts to pay.

Silver-these plans fall in the middle with premiums and healthcare costs when you get medical care.  If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, you could save money on your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when seeking medical care.  This only works if you pick this metal level.

Gold- these plans have a higher monthly premium but lower costs when you get medical care.  This is a good choice if you use medical services a lot and would rather pay less when receiving those medical services.  

Platinum-these plans have the highest monthly premiums of any of the plans.  These are great for people who are high users of medical services due to the fact that nearly all costs are covered.  

Open Enrollment Period-  the annual enrollment period is from November 1 through January 15.

Enrollment from November 1 until December 15, your effective date would be January 1.  

Enrollment after December 15 through January 15, your effective date would be February 1.

If you miss open enrollment you will not be able to enroll in the marketplace until the next open enrollment unless you qualify for a  Special Enrollment period outside of this timeframe.  Events such as getting married, having a new baby, and losing your employer coverage.