Marketplace insurance refers to health plans available through the official Health Insurance Marketplace, established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Sometimes called "ACA plans" or "Obamacare," these plans are designed for individuals and families who don't have access to affordable health coverage through a job, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Key Features & Benefits:

Comprehensive Coverage:

Every plan is ACA-compliant, meaning it must cover 10 Essential Health Benefits, including preventative care, emergency services, prescription drugs, maternity care, and mental health services.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions:

You cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to a pre-existing condition like asthma, diabetes, or a past illness.

Financial Assistance:

Based on your income, you may qualify for significant financial help. This includes:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): Lower your monthly insurance payment.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays (available on Silver plans).

Who Should Consider Marketplace Insurance?

It's a great option for self-employed individuals, gig workers, early retirees, and employees of small businesses that don't offer health benefits.

How to Enroll:

You can only enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (typically November 1st to January 15th) or if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (like losing your job, getting married, or moving) that grants you a Special Enrollment Period.

Why Use HealthLink to Enroll?

Our expert guidance is completely free to you and can save you thousands of dollars in tax penalties for making a mistake. We are certified Marketplace agents who help you navigate the complexities by:

Maximizing Your Savings:

We ensure your application is filled out correctly to get the largest subsidy you're entitled to.

Finding the Right Plan:

We go beyond the price to compare doctor networks and drug coverage, ensuring the plan truly fits your life.

Providing Year-Round Support: We're your advocate long after you've enrolled.

Short-Term Medical (STM) insurance is a comprehensive coverage option to help fill any gaps in coverage from changing health plans.

It's often a good fit for individuals who are:

In between jobs or waiting for new employer coverage to start.

Recent graduates no longer on a parent's plan.

Waiting for the next Open Enrollment Period.

Looking for a more affordable alternative to a Marketplace (ACA) plan and understand the coverage limitations.

Important Considerations:

Coverage: These plans typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, preventative care, maternity, or mental health.

Qualification: You must answer health questions to qualify and can be denied coverage.

Flexibility: In Florida, these plans can offer coverage for up to 36 months, providing a longer-term solution for those who qualify and find Marketplace premiums to be prohibitive.

Bottom Line: STM plans can be a fantastic, affordable solution in the right situation, but they are not for everyone. Our agents can help you compare the pros and cons to see if it's the right choice for you.

Yes, it is possible to enroll in a Marketplace (ACA) health insurance plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period, but you must have a specific reason that makes you eligible. This is called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

A Special Enrollment Period is triggered by a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). This is a major change in your life circumstances that affects your health coverage needs.

Common Qualifying Life Events include:

Loss of Other Health Coverage:

Losing job-based insurance (either you or a family member).

Losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

Turning 26 and no longer being eligible for a parent's plan.

Losing coverage through a divorce.

Your COBRA coverage ending.

Changes in Your Household:

Getting married.

Having a baby, adopting a child, or placing a child for foster care.

A death in the family that results in you losing your health coverage.

Changes in Residence:

Moving to a new ZIP code or county in Florida.

Moving to Florida from another state or country.

Other Qualifying Events:

A significant change in your household income that affects your eligibility for subsidies.

Gaining U.S. citizenship.

Leaving incarceration.

Important Timing: You typically have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan. If you miss this window, you will likely have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period.

How We Can Help: Determining if your situation qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period can be confusing. The best way to know for sure is to speak with one of our certified agents. We can quickly assess your eligibility, help you navigate the application and verification process, and ensure you enroll in the best possible plan—all at no cost to you.

COBRA is a federal law that gives you the right to temporarily continue the same group health insurance you had at your job after you've left or had your hours reduced. It’s important to remember that COBRA is not a new insurance plan, but rather a continuation of your old one.

How It Works in Simple Terms:

Qualifying Event: You must experience a "qualifying event," such as leaving your job (voluntarily or involuntarily) or having your hours cut, which causes you to lose your health coverage.

Notification: Your former employer notifies the insurance plan that you are no longer eligible. The plan administrator then sends you a COBRA election notice.

Election Period: You have a 60-day window from the date of the notice to decide whether to continue your coverage (this is called "electing" COBRA).

Payment & Coverage: If you elect COBRA, you then have 45 days to make your first premium payment. Your coverage will be retroactive, so there are no gaps from your last day of work.

Who is Eligible? COBRA generally applies to group health plans maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more employees.

What Does COBRA Cost? This is the most critical part: under COBRA, you are responsible for paying the full premium for your health plan, including the portion your employer used to pay. You may also have to pay an additional 2% administrative fee. Because of this, COBRA is often a very expensive option.

Is COBRA Your Best Option?

For many people, the answer is no. While the main benefit of COBRA is keeping your exact same plan and network of doctors, you often have more affordable and equally comprehensive alternatives.

When you lose your job-based health insurance, you trigger a Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA). This allows you to enroll in a new plan, and you may be eligible for significant government subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) based on your new, lower income. These subsidies can make Marketplace plans far more affordable than COBRA.

How We Help You Decide:

Before you commit to expensive COBRA payments, let us help you make an informed decision. Our service is completely free to you. We will:

Help you understand your COBRA notice.

Provide an instant quote for Marketplace (ACA) plans.

Check your eligibility for subsidies that could save you hundreds of dollars a month.

Compare the costs and benefits side-by-side, so you can choose the path that makes the most financial sense for you and your family.