Clear, simple information for the self-employed, 1099 earners, and anyone buying their own coverage — what each plan type offers, when you can enroll, and where to get help.
If you don't get insurance through an employer, these are the main routes to coverage. Here's a plain-language overview.
Off-marketplace plans priced on your health profile. For healthy applicants, rates can look very different from marketplace averages.
Plans sold on the government exchange. Comprehensive and guaranteed-issue; subsidies apply only on-exchange and depend on income.
Temporary plans that can bridge a gap — between jobs, or before other coverage starts. Availability and rules vary by state.
High-deductible plans that pair with a Health Savings Account, letting you set aside pre-tax money for care.
Timing works differently depending on the type of plan. These are the main windows.
Private and short-term plans aren't locked to Open Enrollment — in most states you can apply any time of year, subject to eligibility.
Roughly November through mid-January each year — the window to buy or change ACA marketplace plans.
Available after qualifying life events — losing job coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby, or divorce with loss of coverage.
A licensed advisor can compare plans from hundreds of carriers around your situation — at no cost or obligation, and you pay the same price either way.
Available Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm ET