Wondering if you need to get Marketplace coverage through the health insurance broker? In a nutshell, it’s a matter of personal preference. 

You don’t need to use a health insurance broker to get an Obamacare plan through the Affordable Care Act’s Marketplace. Individuals can shop for health insurance independently through the Marketplace without the assistance of an intermediary or an insurance agent. Nonetheless, some people prefer to use a broker to help them compare programs and find the best value and coverage for their families. But you can also buy a health insurance plan without a broker by browsing health plans and calculating your potential cost savings here. 

Additional resources for shopping ACA’s Marketplace

There are additional resources available that will help you make these projections. Shopping the Marketplace programs through the InsuranceShopping incurs no extra charges and will generate a personalized health plan for you based on your household income, budget, and medical needs. Click here to get our free step-by-step guide to enrolling in Marketplace health insurance. 

Additionally, the InsuranceShopping consumer representative team includes licensed health insurance agents. This team is available 24/7 to assist you in finding the best plan and understanding your potential cost savings. You can contact the InsuranceShopping consumer representative team at +1 855-913-1570.

When to shop for the Marketplace health insurance

You can obtain a Marketplace health plan during the Open Enrollment Period (typically from November 1 to December 15). You can apply for insurance coverage through the Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event such as losing your health coverages, having a child, or getting married. 

When it is necessary to use a broker

It will help if you use a health insurance broker to buy a health plan outside the Marketplace. To put it simply, you will only need a broker or agent if you want to purchase a non-ACA-compliant plan. 

You may not always be able to obtain health coverage for yourself outside of your state’s Marketplace. You’ll probably need the assistance of a health insurance broker to do so. A health insurance agent or broker contracts with the insurance providers to sell the programs. And this typically includes non-Obamacare plans.   

Please note that you will not qualify for any subsidies or cost savings if you purchase a non-Marketplace plan. Also, these programs don’t provide the same kind of benefits as ACA-approved plans. For example, many programs will not cover essential healthcare benefits or pre-existing medical conditions. They also don’t have a yearly cap on your out-of-pocket expenses.

Note: It is crucial to carefully read the terms and conditions when buying non-ACA health insurance.

Whether you purchase a Marketplace plan or private insurance, reputable brokers do not charge extra fees for their services because they get commission on the programs they sell. 

If you want to sign up for a Marketplace health insurance plan, you can shop for plans and preview prices here or call a service agent at +1 855-913-1570.