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Health insurance

Know what your care will really cost.

Health insurance determines what medical care actually costs you. Learn how the ACA Marketplace, Medicare and Medicaid work, what the cost terms mean, and what is changing this year.

Choose your state

Select your state to see its requirements, available coverages and official contacts on this page.

Where coverage comes from

Marketplace, Medicare or Medicaid?

Most people get health coverage from an employer, the individual Marketplace, or a government program. Which one applies depends on age, income and where you live.

01

ACA Marketplace

Individual and family plans sold through HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace, during open enrollment or after certain life events.

02

Medicare

Federal health insurance, mainly for people 65 and older, with its own enrollment periods.

03

Medicaid

A joint federal and state program based on income and other rules, which differ by state.

Dates, costs and eligibility rules change every year. Our deadlines page tracks what is coming up, and every guide shows its sources and the date it was last reviewed.

Plan costs

Look beyond the premium.

Most people get coverage through an employer, a government program or the individual Marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. The monthly premium is only part of the cost.

01

Look beyond the premium

Deductible, copayments and coinsurance decide much of what you pay when you use care.

02

Know your ceiling

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you pay in a plan year for covered, in-network care. Premiums do not count toward it.

03

Check the network

Plan types such as HMO and PPO differ in which providers are covered and whether you need referrals.

Health insurance cost terms
TermWhat it means
PremiumWhat you pay to keep the plan active, usually monthly.
DeductibleWhat you pay for covered services before the plan starts paying its share. Some services may be covered before it is met.
CopaymentA fixed amount you pay for a specific service or prescription.
CoinsuranceYour percentage share of a covered cost, usually after the deductible.
Out-of-pocket maximumThe most you pay in a plan year for covered, in-network care. Premiums do not count toward it.

Eligibility rules, enrollment dates and financial help can change by year and by state. We verify specifics against HealthCare.gov, CMS and state sources before publishing them, and we keep current law separate from proposals.

Guides

Go deeper.

Each guide cites its sources.

How the ACA Marketplace worksThe Marketplace is where you can compare and enroll in individual health plans. Which site you use depends on your state.
Health · 5 min
ACA Open Enrollment Checklist for 2027 CoverageOpen enrollment for 2027 starts November 1. Use this checklist to compare plans and pick one before the December 15 and January 15 deadlines.
Health · 5 min
HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plansThe plan type decides which providers you can see and whether you need referrals. It matters as much as the price.
Health · 4 min
Medicaid Work Requirements in 2027: Who Is AffectedA federal rule requires certain Medicaid adults to show 80 hours a month of work or similar activity. States must start by January 1, 2027.
Health · 6 min
Medicare Changes for 2027: Premiums, Part D and DatesMedicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. See what CMS reports for 2027 Advantage premiums and Part D costs.
Health · 6 min
Medicare Enrollment Periods: When Can You Sign Up?For most people, Medicare sign-up opens 3 months before you turn 65 and lasts 7 months. Here are the main enrollment periods.
Health · 5 min
Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist: What to ReviewMedicare Open Enrollment ends December 7. Use this checklist to review your plan's costs, drugs, doctors and pharmacies before you decide.
Health · 5 min
Medicare vs. Medicaid: What Is the Difference?Medicare is federal health insurance mainly for people 65 and older. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program based on income. Compare them.
Health · 6 min
Premium, deductible, copay and coinsurance explainedFour terms decide most of what you pay for health care. Once you can see how they fit together, comparing plans gets much easier.
Health · 5 min
Special Enrollment Periods for Health InsuranceA life event such as losing coverage, moving or having a baby can let you enroll outside Open Enrollment. Usually you have 60 days.
Health · 5 min
What Does Health Insurance Cover? The 10 Essential BenefitsMarketplace plans must cover ten categories of care. See what each means, and what is not on the list.
Health · 5 min
Which States Run Their Own Health Insurance Marketplace?See which states run their own ACA marketplace and which use HealthCare.gov, based on 2026 listings, with a link to each state.
Health · 4 min
Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Rising in 2027Insurers propose a median 15% increase for 2027 after the enhanced subsidies expired. See what is confirmed and what to do before you enroll.
Health · 6 min

Questions

Common questions.

What is the Marketplace?

A place, run by the federal government or a state, where you can compare and enroll in individual health plans. Many states use HealthCare.gov and some run their own marketplace.

When can I enroll in a health plan?

Generally during an annual open enrollment period, or during a special enrollment period after certain life events. Confirm exact dates on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace.

Can I get help paying for health coverage?

Financial help may be available depending on factors such as income, household size and state, and the rules can change. Use official sources to check the current rules.

By state

Health marketplace and insurance by state

Each state overview shows which marketplace serves residents and who regulates insurance there.

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