Health Insurance Marketplaces, or exchanges, have been put in place recently by select states across the United States. Their role is to act as organizations that create organized markets on which Americans can buy health insurance in the most cost-efficient way possible. They’re made to give everyone various options to choose from as far as health insurance is concerned, check to make sure that the participating insurance plans meet certain criteria and offer detailed information which lets buyers get a better grasp on their insurance options.
Families and individuals who would like to buy health insurance can opt to buy coverage on the Marketplace. People who need to purchase their own insurance, most often those who don’t get it through their employers, frequently use this option. The Marketplace lets buyers access various kinds of subsidies, like cost sharing. These are given out based on how much an individual or family earns in a year.
Another benefit of Marketplaces is that they can help those with a low income determine whether they would qualify for CHIP or Medicaid. People who own small businesses and who would like to offer health insurance for their staff can benefit from the Small Business Health Options Program.
By shopping through a Marketplace, Americans who need health insurance can find a lot of useful information about the types of coverage offered and how they can get a policy. However, not everyone can shop for insurance through the Marketplace. Individuals must be American citizens or lawfully present in the country, in addition to not currently being detained in a prison or jail. As insurance options vary from one state to the other, individuals should shop the Marketplace for the state where they currently have their permanent residence.
Even though the vast majority of people in America will be able to get insurance through the Marketplace, not everybody will be able to get a subsidy, which is also called “premium tax credits.” Individuals will need to meet some eligibility criteria, mostly related to their annual income to receive them.
