ACA / Obamacare
Best for subsidy-eligible households & anyone with ongoing care
- Subsidies
- Yes — premium tax credit if income is 100–400% of FPL (2026: ~$15,960–$63,840 single; ~$33,000–$132,000 family of 4)
- Health questions
- None — guaranteed issue, cannot be denied
- Pre-existing
- Covered in full, no waiting period
- Benefits
- 10 essential health benefits, out-of-pocket caps
- Networks
- Often HMO/EPO; narrower doctor lists
- Enrollment
- Open enrollment Nov 1–Jan 15, plus qualifying life events
Note for 2026: the enhanced ARPA subsidies expired, so the 400%-of-FPL “cliff” is back — above it you get no subsidy. If your income is under ~400% FPL, this is almost always the cheaper route.