Frequently-asked questions by category
I’m a legal U.S. resident, but not a citizen. What are my health insurance options?
January 7, 2026 – Legal U.S. residents have the same eligibility as citizens to receive subsidies for health insurance purchased in the…
I have family coverage through my employer but have to pay the full cost of my kids’ premiums. Can I buy individual policies for my children instead?
December 29, 2025 – Starting in 2023, your kids might qualify for premium subsidies in the exchange, under the terms of the "family glitch" fix that the IRS…
Are smokers unable to afford insurance under the ACA?
June 10, 2026 – The surcharge is thought to impede access to health insurance for smokers in many states. But Medicaid and state-based regulations are…
If my income is less than expected this year, I might be eligible for Medicaid. What can I do to cover my bases?
April 25, 2026 – Learn what happens if you enrolled through the Marketplace and received premium subsidies, but your income ends up being so low that you're…
If I can get health insurance through my employer, can my husband’s company deny me coverage?
November 10, 2025 – Learn whether your spouse’s employer can deny you coverage if you have access to your own employer's coverage – and how the 'working…
Can undocumented immigrants get Medicaid?
October 2, 2025 – Unauthorized non-citizens (also called “undocumented immigrants”) may or may not be eligible for Medicaid, depending on their income,…
What health insurance benefits are available to refugees and asylees arriving in the United States?
September 19, 2025 – For refugees and asylees in the U.S., there have historically been fairly robust health coverage benefits available. But those benefits…
Can I get new coverage effective the month after my employer-sponsored coverage ends or do I have to take COBRA?
July 31, 2025 – You do not have to continue your plan with COBRA unless you want to. You qualify for a special enrollment period if your…
If I have insurance through my employer, can my spouse get coverage through the exchange?
July 14, 2025 – If you have insurance through your employer, and your spouse is unemployed, they can get insurance through the Marketplace but cannot get a…
I will be retiring from my job in March and moving to a new state. Do I have to establish residency there before I can apply for ACA coverage?
January 31, 2025 – In most cases, you need to be living in a state in order to apply for insurance in that state (although it's possible to obtain coverage…
Is Social Security considered income when I’m enrolling in a plan through the exchange?
January 3, 2025 – Social Security income is included in the calculation to determine your subsidy…
We get health insurance through my job, but the coverage isn’t very good. Can I enroll in an exchange plan instead, and get a subsidy to help pay for it?
December 9, 2024 – Just about anyone can enroll in an exchange plan. But eligibility for a subsidy depends on how much your group plan costs and the quality…