What the Marketplace actually is
The Health Insurance Marketplace was created by the Affordable Care Act (the ACA, sometimes called "Obamacare"). It's a place where you can shop for private health insurance from real insurance companies — the same carriers you already know.
Plans are sold by private insurers, not the government. An agency like CoverageCo helps you compare those plans and enroll. (CoverageCo is a private, licensed agency — we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.)
Who it's for
Marketplace plans are built for people who don't get affordable coverage another way — for example, if you're self-employed, between jobs, a gig worker, an early retiree under 65, or your employer's plan is too expensive.
If you're 65 or older you'll generally look at Medicare instead. Marketplace coverage is for under-65 individuals and families.
What every plan has to cover
By law, every Marketplace plan covers a core set of "essential health benefits." No plan can leave these out, and they can't deny you or charge you more for a pre-existing condition.
- Doctor visits and outpatient care
- Emergency services and hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Maternity, newborn, and pediatric care (including dental and vision for kids)
- Mental health and substance-use treatment
- Preventive care and chronic-disease management — many preventive services are covered at no extra cost
- Lab work and rehabilitation services
Where an agent fits in
You can shop on your own — but the plans differ in networks, drug coverage, and out-of-pocket costs in ways that aren't obvious. A licensed agent compares your real options, checks that your doctors and prescriptions are covered, and handles the paperwork. It costs you nothing extra.