Government Health Plan

No. Despite the name, this is an independent educational and referral site — not HealthCare.gov, Medicare.gov, Medicaid.gov, or any government agency, and not affiliated with or endorsed by any government. We explain how government health insurance programs generally work and connect you with independent licensed insurance agents.

The ACA Marketplace (sometimes called Obamacare) is mainly for people under 65 who don't have job-based or other government coverage. Medicare is federal health coverage mainly for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities. They have separate enrollment periods and rules, and you generally use one or the other, not both at once.

Eligibility depends on household income, size and state rules, which vary by state and change over time, so we don't publish figures here. A licensed agent or your state Medicaid office can check your specific eligibility at no cost.

It's a form of financial help that can lower a monthly ACA Marketplace premium based on estimated household income. The amount depends on income, family size and the plans available where you live — ask a licensed agent or use the official marketplace site for a personalized estimate.

Both have specific windows: an annual open enrollment period, plus special or initial enrollment periods tied to turning 65, losing other coverage, or certain life events. These dates are set by the government and can change, so confirm current deadlines at Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov rather than relying on a date you saw elsewhere.

These plans pay a fixed cash benefit for things like a hospital stay, accident, or serious diagnosis, in addition to — not instead of — ACA, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage. They're optional, and most useful if you have a high deductible or want extra cash-flow protection during a medical event.

You can talk to a licensed, independent insurance agent through this site at no cost, or contact a certified enrollment navigator or assister through the official marketplace. Agents and navigators can explain your options; we don't sell insurance or give personalized advice ourselves.