The Definitive Health Insurance FAQ

ACA health insurance — also called Obamacare or Marketplace insurance — is the system created by the Affordable Care Act in 2010. ACA plans are sold through Healthcare.gov (or your state’s exchange) and must meet federal standards: cover the 10 essential health benefits, accept everyone regardless of pre-existing conditions, charge older adults no more than 3x what they charge younger adults, and cap your annual out-of-pocket spending.

Roughly 93% of Marketplace enrollees receive subsidies averaging $550/month. Plans come in four metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and you pick whichever balance of premium vs. deductible fits your situation. See ACA plans →

“Obamacare” is the informal name for the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in March 2010 under President Barack Obama. The two terms refer to the same thing: the federal law that created the Marketplace, premium subsidies, the Medicaid expansion, and protections like guaranteed issue (no one can be denied for pre-existing conditions) and the 10 essential health benefits.

When people say “Obamacare plans,” they usually mean ACA Marketplace plans — the subsidized health insurance available through Healthcare.gov.

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. The Marketplace officially opened for enrollment on October 1, 2013, with coverage effective January 1, 2014. Major expansions since: enhanced premium tax credits in 2021 (no income cap, 8.5% maximum contribution), and the family glitch fix in 2023.

Yes. The ACA Marketplace is fully operational. Enhanced subsidies that lowered premiums for millions of Americans were extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act. Whether they continue at the same level beyond 2025 depends on Congressional action, but the underlying ACA framework remains intact: guaranteed issue, essential health benefits, premium tax credits, and the Marketplace itself are permanent features of federal law.

The ACA fundamentally restructured the U.S. health insurance market. Key provisions:

• Guaranteed issue: Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more for pre-existing conditions
• 10 essential health benefits: All plans must cover hospitalization, prescriptions, preventive care, maternity, mental health, etc.
• Premium tax credits: Income-based subsidies for individuals up to 400% of poverty (now uncapped through 2025)
• Medicaid expansion: Optional state expansion covering adults under 138% FPL (40 states + DC have expanded)
• Dependent coverage to 26: Children can stay on parents’ plans until age 26
• Out-of-pocket maximums: Annual cap on what you pay (currently $9,200 individual / $18,400 family in 2025)
• Free preventive care: Annual physicals, vaccines, and screenings at $0 cost

The Health Insurance Marketplace (also called the Exchange) is the online platform where you compare and buy ACA health insurance. Healthcare.gov serves 32 states using the federal platform; the other 18 states plus DC operate their own state-based exchanges (e.g., Covered California, NY State of Health, Pennie in Pennsylvania).

The Marketplace is the only place you can claim premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions. You can either apply directly at Healthcare.gov or work with a licensed broker like FreedInsure who enrolls you in the same plans at the same prices — with personalized comparison and ongoing support at no cost. Marketplace guide →

Every ACA plan must cover the 10 essential health benefits:

• Outpatient services (doctor visits, urgent care)
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization (surgery, overnight stays)
• Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
• Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative services and devices
• Laboratory services
• Preventive and wellness services (free, no deductible)
• Pediatric services including dental and vision for children

Adult dental and vision are NOT included in ACA plans — you need separate dental/vision coverage as supplemental products.

The metal tiers indicate how the plan splits costs between you and the insurer:

• Bronze: Plan covers ~60%, you pay ~40%. Lowest premium, highest deductible ($7,000+). Best for healthy people who rarely use care.
• Silver: Plan covers ~70%, you pay ~30%. Moderate premium and deductible. Best value if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (income 100–250% FPL).
• Gold: Plan covers ~80%, you pay ~20%. Higher premium, lower deductible ($1,000–$2,000). Best for regular healthcare users.
• Platinum: Plan covers ~90%, you pay ~10%. Highest premium, lowest deductible ($0–$500). Best for heavy users or planned procedures.

All tiers cover the same essential benefits and have the same out-of-pocket maximum. You’re paying for cost-sharing structure, not for better coverage.

Yes, completely. The ACA’s guaranteed issue provision prohibits insurers from denying coverage, charging more, or excluding benefits because of pre-existing conditions. This applies to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental health conditions, pregnancy, HIV, and every other diagnosis. Coverage begins on your effective date with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

Important caveat: Non-ACA plans (short-term medical, fixed indemnity) can exclude pre-existing conditions. If you have any health condition, always choose ACA coverage.

Federally, no. The federal individual mandate penalty was reduced to $0 starting in 2019. You won’t pay a federal tax penalty for being uninsured.

But several states have their own mandates: California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington DC all have state-level individual mandates with tax penalties for uninsured residents. Vermont has a mandate without a penalty. Check your state’s rules.

More importantly: even without a penalty, going uninsured is a financial gamble. One ER visit averages $2,600. One hospitalization: $30,000+. Cancer treatment: $150,000+. The ACA out-of-pocket maximum caps your worst-case exposure at ~$9,200/year — that’s the real value of insurance regardless of any mandate.

$0 federally since 2019. The Trump administration’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act zeroed out the federal Shared Responsibility Payment.

State penalties (2026):

• California: $900+ per adult, $450 per child, or 2.5% of household income (whichever is greater)
• Massachusetts: Up to ~$160/month per uninsured adult
• New Jersey: 2.5% of household income or per-person flat fee
• Rhode Island: 2.5% of household income or per-person flat fee
• Washington DC: Per-person fee or 2.5% of household income

Even in states without penalties, going without insurance exposes you to unlimited medical debt risk.

Both involve the same insurance carriers (Cigna, BCBS, UHC, Ambetter, etc.) selling the same kinds of products. The difference is where you buy it and whether you can claim subsidies:

• Marketplace plans (on-exchange): Available through Healthcare.gov or state exchanges. Eligible for premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions if your income qualifies. Must be ACA-compliant.
• Off-exchange ACA plans: Same carriers, same essential benefits, but bought directly from the carrier or through a broker. Not eligible for subsidies. Sometimes have slightly different network options.
• Private (non-ACA) plans: Short-term medical, fixed indemnity, year-round PPO — not ACA-compliant, may exclude pre-existing conditions, no subsidies, but available year-round.

For most people, on-exchange Marketplace plans are the best deal because of the subsidies.

Through the ACA Marketplace, no. Undocumented immigrants cannot enroll in Marketplace plans or receive premium tax credits. They’re also generally not eligible for Medicaid (though some states cover undocumented children).

Available options for undocumented individuals:

• Off-exchange private plans: Some carriers sell directly to anyone regardless of immigration status (but no subsidies)
• State-specific programs: California (Medi-Cal for all incomes regardless of status as of 2024), Illinois (Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults), Oregon, and others have expanded coverage
• Community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide care on a sliding scale regardless of status
• Short-term medical or fixed indemnity: Available without status verification

Federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov): November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026 for 2026 coverage. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 effective; enroll Dec 16–Jan 15 for February 1 effective.

State exchanges run their own dates:

• California (Covered California): Nov 1–Jan 31
• New York (NY State of Health): Nov 1–Jan 31
• New Jersey (Get Covered NJ): Nov 1–Jan 31
• Massachusetts (Health Connector): Nov 1–Jan 23
• Pennsylvania (Pennie): Nov 1–Jan 15
• Most other state exchanges: Nov 1–Jan 15

Outside Open Enrollment, you need a Special Enrollment Period (qualifying event) for ACA, or you can enroll year-round in PPO, short-term, supplemental, or Medicaid coverage.

A qualifying life event (QLE) is a major life change that opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for ACA coverage outside Open Enrollment. The most common QLEs:

• Loss of coverage: Job loss, employer plan termination, COBRA expiration, aging off parent’s plan at 26, losing Medicaid/CHIP
• Household changes: Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, death in household
• Residence changes: Moving to a new ZIP code with different plan availability, moving to/from a foreign country, students moving for school
• Eligibility changes: Becoming a citizen or lawfully present, gaining a new dependent, becoming newly eligible for subsidies
• Other: Errors in enrollment, exceptional circumstances (natural disaster, hospitalization during OEP)

Not QLEs: Voluntarily dropping coverage, missing the renewal deadline, getting sick.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a 60-day window after a qualifying life event during which you can enroll in or change ACA Marketplace coverage. The window typically starts on the date of the event (or the date you lose coverage, whichever is later) and runs for exactly 60 days.

For most QLEs, you can enroll up to 60 days BEFORE the event if you know it’s coming (e.g., COBRA expiration date, planned move date). This prevents coverage gaps. After the 60-day window closes, you must wait for Open Enrollment unless another QLE occurs.

You’ll need documentation — termination letter, marriage certificate, birth certificate, lease agreement, etc. The Marketplace verifies QLEs before activating coverage.

Yes, through one of these pathways:

• Special Enrollment Period: If you have a qualifying life event, you get 60 days for ACA Marketplace
• Medicaid or CHIP: Year-round enrollment if income-eligible
• Year-round PPO plans: FreedInsure offers 11 PPO plans through Cigna, UHC, and First Health with no enrollment window. Coverage starts 1st of next month.
• Short-term medical: Available any day, coverage as soon as tomorrow. Up to 36 months in most states. Does NOT cover pre-existing conditions.
• Supplemental insurance: Dental, vision, hospital indemnity, accident, critical illness available year-round

See PPO year-round options →

For 2025 coverage, federal Open Enrollment ran November 1, 2024 through January 15, 2025. That window has closed. To enroll now for 2025 coverage, you need a qualifying life event triggering a Special Enrollment Period — or look at year-round options like PPO, short-term medical, supplemental, or Medicaid.

The next Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage runs November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026.

60 days from the date you lose coverage (not the date you lose your job or have the qualifying event). For example: if your employer plan ends March 31, your 60-day SEP starts April 1 and ends May 30.

You can also enroll up to 60 days before the loss of coverage if you have advance notice (termination letter, COBRA expiration date, planned retirement). This is the smartest move because it prevents any coverage gap.

Don’t wait until day 59 — coverage starts the 1st of the month after enrollment, so late enrollment can leave you uncovered for several weeks.

For initial enrollment:

• Social Security Numbers (or ITINs) for everyone in your household applying
• Birth dates for all enrollees
• Estimated annual household income (you’ll project for the coverage year)
• Current employer information if employed
• Information about any current health coverage
• Document numbers if non-citizens (visa, green card, work authorization)

For Special Enrollment: You’ll also need documentation of your qualifying life event — termination letter, marriage certificate, birth certificate, lease, etc.

You do NOT need: Current insurance card, doctor’s records, medical history, or proof of pre-existing conditions. ACA plans accept everyone regardless of health.

Yes — you can cancel ACA Marketplace coverage any time by logging into your Healthcare.gov account, calling the Marketplace, or asking your broker. Coverage typically ends on a future date you choose (usually the end of the current month or a future month).

Important caveats:

• You can’t get back in until the next Open Enrollment unless you have a new qualifying life event
• If you cancel because you got new coverage, time the cancellation carefully to avoid a gap
• Subsidy reconciliation: If you received subsidies for any portion of the year, you’ll still file Form 8962 with that year’s tax return
• State penalties: If you live in CA, MA, NJ, RI, or DC, voluntary cancellation may trigger state tax penalties

Yes, but only if the move changes the plans available to you. Moving to a new ZIP code within the same county usually doesn’t qualify because plan options don’t change. Moves that do qualify:

• Moving to a different state
• Moving to a different county within your state
• Moving to/from a foreign country (must have had coverage for at least one of the prior 60 days)
• Students moving to/from school
• Seasonal workers moving to/from a worksite

You’ll need proof of the move — lease, utility bill, driver’s license update, or similar — and proof you had qualifying coverage in the previous location for at least one day in the past 60 days.

Federally, no. Pregnancy alone does not trigger a Special Enrollment Period for ACA coverage. However, the birth of a child does — that opens a 60-day SEP to add the baby and adjust coverage.

State exceptions: New York and DC treat pregnancy as a QLE for state-based exchanges. In those states, you can enroll any time during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant outside Open Enrollment:

• Check Medicaid — pregnancy raises Medicaid income limits significantly in most states
• Look at year-round PPO if you’re not subsidy-eligible
• Avoid short-term medical (excludes maternity)
• Wait for Open Enrollment if no other options work

“Early Open Enrollment” usually refers to November 1 itself — the first day OEP opens. There’s no “early” enrollment before November 1 unless you have a qualifying life event.

Some sources use “early enrollment” to mean enrolling early in the window (November 1–December 15) to lock in January 1 coverage. Enrolling later in the window (December 16–January 15) means February 1 coverage instead, leaving a potential one-month gap.

Recommendation: Enroll in November to secure January 1 effective date and avoid surprise gaps.

With ACA subsidies (most people):

• Income $25K individual: $0–$50/month
• Income $40K individual: $100–$250/month
• Income $60K individual: $250–$425/month
• Family of 4 at $50K: $50–$200/month
• Family of 4 at $80K: $300–$500/month

Without subsidies (sticker price):

• Age 30: $300–$500/month
• Age 50: $550–$800/month
• Age 60: $800–$1,200/month
• Family of 4: $1,100–$1,800/month

Year-round PPO: $250–$600/month (no subsidies). Short-term: $95–$400/month. COBRA: $700–$2,500/month.

The average ACA Marketplace enrollee pays under $100/month after subsidies. Specifically:

• Roughly 40% pay $0/month (subsidies fully cover Bronze tier)
• About 35% pay $1–$100/month
• The remaining ~25% pay $100–$500/month depending on income and plan choice

National averages mask huge variation by age, location, and income. The most accurate way to know your cost: check your specific subsidy through Healthcare.gov or a licensed broker. 60-second subsidy check →

U.S. health insurance is expensive because U.S. healthcare itself is expensive. Insurance is just the financing mechanism. Drivers of high premiums:

• Provider prices: U.S. hospitals and specialists charge 2–5x what providers charge in other countries
• Prescription drug prices: Same drugs cost dramatically more in the U.S.
• Administrative overhead: Multi-payer system creates billing complexity and bureaucratic costs
• Aging population: Older enrollees use more healthcare, raising community-rated costs
• Medical advances: New treatments and devices cost more than older ones
• Employer coverage subsidization: Group plans get tax-advantaged treatment that distorts the market

The ACA’s subsidy system was designed specifically to make individual coverage affordable despite high underlying healthcare costs.

“Private health insurance” usually means non-Medicaid, non-Medicare coverage:

• ACA Marketplace (subsidized): $0–$400/month for most
• ACA off-exchange (unsubsidized): $300–$1,200/month depending on age
• Year-round PPO: $250–$600/month
• Short-term medical: $95–$400/month (limited coverage)
• Employer-sponsored (full premium): $625–$700/month per employee, $1,800+/month family. Employer typically pays 70–85%.

The cheapest real private insurance is subsidized ACA — full benefits, low cost.

Same as ACA Marketplace pricing — “Obamacare” is just the informal name. For a single person earning $40,000/year: typical Silver plan after subsidy is $150–$250/month. For a single person earning $25,000: typical Silver with CSR is $0–$50/month with a deductible as low as $0–$200.

Average enrollee cost across all incomes: roughly $115/month after subsidies. Median enrollee cost: under $50/month.

In order of cost (cheapest first):

1. Medicaid: $0 if income under ~$20,800 (expansion states). Free comprehensive coverage.
2. $0 ACA Bronze: Available at lower incomes when subsidy fully covers premium. Higher deductible.
3. ACA Silver with CSR: $0–$150/month with deductible as low as $0–$200. Best value if income qualifies (100–250% FPL).
4. Catastrophic plan: $180–$280/month for under-30 adults. High deductible, three free PCP visits, full ACA protection above the deductible.
5. Short-term medical: $95–$200/month. Excludes pre-existing conditions. Bridge use only.

Unsubsidized ACA premiums (2026 estimates by age, Silver tier):

• Age 21: $280–$420/month
• Age 30: $320–$480/month
• Age 40: $400–$600/month
• Age 50: $560–$840/month
• Age 60: $830–$1,250/month
• Age 64: $980–$1,400/month

Family of 4 unsubsidized Silver: $1,200–$1,800/month depending on parent ages and location.

These are the prices people see and assume they can’t afford. Always check subsidies first — even high earners qualify under enhanced subsidies through 2025.

Premium increases each year are driven by:

• Medical cost inflation: Hospital, drug, and provider prices rise faster than general inflation
• Utilization trends: Aging risk pool and increased post-pandemic care utilization
• Specialty drug costs: New high-cost biologics, GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy), gene therapies
• Hospital consolidation: Mergers reduce competition, increase prices
• Risk adjustment changes: Federal program tweaks affect carrier pricing

2026 average increase: ACA Marketplace premiums rose roughly 6–9% on average across states — but for subsidized enrollees, the subsidy increases proportionally, so net cost often stays flat. Always re-shop at Open Enrollment to find the best plan for the new year.

Yes, in two scenarios:

• Platinum plans: Some carriers offer Platinum tier with $0 deductible. High premium ($650–$1,000/month unsubsidized) but everything covered after the copay schedule.
• Silver with CSR 94 (income 100–150% FPL): Some Silver plans drop deductible to $0–$200 when CSR is applied. Premium can be $0–$50/month if you also qualify for subsidies.

Year-round PPO plans through FreedInsure also offer $0 deductible options for those wanting predictable copay-only coverage. Zero deductible plans →

Step 1: Check Medicaid eligibility — free if you qualify. Income limits vary by state and family size.

Step 2: Check ACA Marketplace subsidies. Most Americans qualify. Roughly 40% pay $0/month.

Step 3: If you don’t qualify for subsidies, check if you’re under 30 (catastrophic plan eligibility, $180–$280/month).

Step 4: Compare year-round PPO plans if you want flexibility outside Open Enrollment.

Step 5: Use a licensed broker (free service). Brokers find subsidies many people miss and compare every option without bias.

Skip: COBRA (almost always more expensive than ACA), and short-term medical unless you’re healthy and need temporary bridge coverage.

“Should” depends on income. Federal benchmark: no more than 8.5% of household income for the second-lowest-cost Silver plan. If you’re paying significantly more than that for comparable coverage, you may be missing a subsidy or over-paying for a higher-tier plan.

Healthy budget targets:

• If income under $30K: aim for $0–$50/month
• $30K–$60K: aim for $50–$300/month
• $60K–$100K: aim for $300–$600/month
• $100K+: budget for 5–8% of income

If your premiums consistently exceed 10% of household income, you’re either missing subsidies or in the wrong plan tier. Have a broker re-evaluate.

Self-employed individuals get health insurance the same way other individuals do: ACA Marketplace, off-exchange, or short-term/year-round private plans. There’s no separate self-employed insurance market.

What’s different for self-employed:

• 100% premium deduction on Schedule 1 (above-the-line) — no itemizing required
• MAGI is volatile — project carefully, update Marketplace mid-year as income shifts
• Most still qualify for subsidies — many self-employed underestimate eligibility
• HSA pairing with HDHP is especially powerful (HSA contributions also reduce SE tax)

The single biggest mistake: assuming you’re “too rich” for subsidies. Under enhanced subsidies, even six-figure self-employed earners qualify for substantial premium tax credits. Self-employed coverage guide →

Yes — 100% deductible as an above-the-line deduction on Schedule 1 (Form 1040). You don’t have to itemize. Eligible premiums:

• Medical insurance (ACA Marketplace, off-exchange, COBRA, year-round PPO)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term care insurance (with age-based limits)
• Coverage for spouse and dependents under your plan

Three rules to qualify:

1. You have net self-employment income (deduction is limited to that income)
2. You’re not eligible for an employer-subsidized plan (yours or spouse’s)
3. The plan is in your name or the business name

Important: If you receive an ACA premium subsidy, you can only deduct the portion you paid (the unsubsidized portion). The subsidy itself is not deductible because it wasn’t taxable to you.

1099 contractors are treated as self-employed for health insurance purposes. You buy individual coverage and deduct premiums on your taxes.

Best path for most 1099 contractors:

1. Project annual net 1099 income (gross minus deductible business expenses)
2. Apply through Marketplace using projected MAGI
3. Choose Silver tier if income qualifies for CSR (under 250% FPL)
4. Deduct premiums on Schedule 1
5. Pair with HSA-eligible HDHP if income is high enough that the HSA tax savings beat CSR benefits

Avoid: Short-term medical (excludes pre-existing conditions, contractors often need real coverage), and assuming you don’t qualify for subsidies (you usually do, even with $80K+ net income).

Federally: Employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees (Applicable Large Employers) must offer affordable health coverage to full-time employees or face penalties under the ACA’s Employer Shared Responsibility provision. Employers with under 50 employees are not required to offer coverage.

What “affordable” means: The employee’s share of self-only coverage cannot exceed 8.39% (2024 threshold) of household income. If it does, the employee can claim Marketplace subsidies instead.

Hawaii: Has its own state mandate requiring most employers to provide health coverage regardless of size.

Small employers can voluntarily offer benefits via traditional group plans, ICHRA, QSEHRA, or contribute toward employees’ individual coverage.

Both are tax-advantaged ways for employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance instead of buying a group plan.

QSEHRA (Qualified Small Employer HRA):

• For employers with under 50 employees
• 2026 limits: ~$6,350 single / ~$12,800 family per year
• Must offer to all eligible employees
• Reduces employee’s ACA subsidy eligibility

ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRA):

• Available to employers of any size
• No annual contribution limit
• Can vary contribution by employee class
• Employee can choose any individual plan, including ACA Marketplace
• Affects subsidy eligibility based on whether contribution is “affordable”

Both let small businesses offer benefits without the cost and administrative burden of a traditional group plan. ICHRA is increasingly popular among 5–50 employee companies.

Yes, but with specific rules. S-Corp owners with more than 2% ownership are treated as self-employed for health insurance purposes:

1. The S-Corp pays the premium (or reimburses the owner)
2. The premium is included in the owner’s W-2 Box 1 wages (subject to federal income tax but not FICA)
3. The owner deducts the premium on Schedule 1 as self-employed health insurance

Net effect: federal income tax neutral, FICA tax savings (employer + employee portions). Without this structure, S-Corp owners cannot directly deduct premiums.

Critical: The plan must be established in either the S-Corp’s name or the owner’s name. Get a CPA’s help — missteps create complicated tax issues.

Yes, in every state. Selling, soliciting, or negotiating health insurance requires a state-issued Health Insurance Producer license. The path:

1. Complete state pre-licensing education (typically 20–40 hours)
2. Pass the state licensing exam
3. Submit fingerprints and background check
4. Apply for the license through the state DOI
5. Get appointed by carriers to sell their products
6. Complete CMS Marketplace training annually for ACA

For multi-state work, a resident license in one state plus non-resident licenses in others (via NIPR). FreedInsure is licensed in 42 jurisdictions with NPN 20230457.

Small group health insurance covers employees of businesses with 1–50 full-time-equivalent employees (1–100 in some states like California, New York, Vermont). The employer purchases a group plan that all eligible employees can join.

Compared to individual ACA:

• Pricing: Group rates pool risk across the whole company. Better for groups with older or higher-utilization employees.
• Subsidies: Employees can’t claim ACA premium tax credits if offered affordable group coverage.
• Tax treatment: Employer contribution is tax-deductible business expense; employee share is pre-tax.
• Small Business Health Care Tax Credit: Available for some employers under 25 employees with average wages under ~$60K.

For businesses under 10 employees, ICHRA or QSEHRA often beats traditional group plans on cost and flexibility.

Yes — 100% free, with zero hidden costs.

Insurance carriers compensate FreedInsure when you enroll, the same way they pay any licensed agent. Your premium is identical whether you enroll through us, through Healthcare.gov directly, or through the carrier directly. The carriers’ compensation to brokers is built into the base premium — you don’t save money by skipping us.

What you get for free:

• Subsidy calculation across every available plan
• Comparison of carriers, networks, formularies, and benefits
• Enrollment assistance and documentation help
• Year-round support: claims questions, plan changes, life event updates
• Annual re-shop at Open Enrollment to find the best new-year deal

If you ever feel a broker is steering you toward a worse plan to earn more commission, walk away. FreedInsure’s incentive is your retention, not a one-time enrollment.

Yes. FreedInsure LLC is:

• Licensed in 42 jurisdictions with NPN 20230457 (verified through NIPR)
• CMS-certified for Marketplace enrollment (Healthcare.gov agent/broker)
• Independent brokerage — not affiliated with Healthcare.gov, CMS, or any government agency
• Licensed across ~16 producing agents with 10,000+ enrolled members
• 4.9-star Google rating across hundreds of reviews
• Headquartered at 1151 Broad Street, Suite 301, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
• Reachable at 844-788-3733

Always verify any insurance broker through your state Department of Insurance and the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). About FreedInsure →

The process from start to coverage:

1. Quick form (60 seconds): Name, ZIP, date of birth, household income, contact info
2. Licensed advisor calls within minutes: Real broker, not a call center. Reviews your situation, runs subsidy calculations, identifies best-fit options.
3. Plan comparison: Walk through 2–5 best options for your situation. Compare premiums, deductibles, networks, drug formularies.
4. Enrollment: Advisor handles the application directly with the carrier or Marketplace. You sign electronically.
5. Activation: Coverage starts on the next available effective date (usually 1st of next month).
6. Year-round support: Free claims help, plan changes, qualifying life event updates, annual re-shop at OEP.

A licensed health insurance broker:

• Represents you, not a single carrier — we compare across multiple insurers
• Calculates ACA subsidies and Cost-Sharing Reductions for your specific income and household
• Compares plans across premium, deductible, network, formulary, OOP max, and benefits
• Handles enrollment directly with carriers and the Marketplace
• Manages life events: job changes, marriage, baby, moving, income shifts
• Re-shops annually at Open Enrollment so you don’t auto-renew into a worse deal
• Helps with claims and provider network questions year-round

Brokers vs. agents: an “agent” typically represents one carrier. A “broker” represents you and works with multiple carriers. FreedInsure is a broker.

Both enroll you in identical ACA Marketplace plans at identical premiums. The differences:

• Healthcare.gov: Free self-service. You navigate the system, pick your own plan, handle issues by phone/chat with general support.
• FreedInsure: Free licensed broker who knows the carriers, networks, and tradeoffs in your specific market. We catch errors, find subsidies you might miss, and provide year-round support.

When Healthcare.gov is fine: You’re comfortable comparing plans yourself, your situation is straightforward, and you don’t need ongoing support.

When a broker beats it: Self-employed (subsidy calculation gets complex), mid-year life events, multiple carriers in your area with different networks, want someone to call when claims get denied, or you simply value time saved.

The broker service is free either way — the cost is identical.

Never. Your personal information stays strictly within FreedInsure for the purpose of finding and managing your coverage. We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third-party marketers, lead aggregators, or unrelated companies.

The only parties who see your information are:

• The carrier(s) you enroll with (required for issuing coverage)
• Healthcare.gov / state exchange if you enroll through the Marketplace (required for subsidy verification)
• Service providers we use to operate (CRM, communication tools) — under strict contractual privacy obligations

This is a real differentiator. Many “free quote” websites and aggregators sell your contact info to multiple agencies who then bombard you with calls. Read our privacy policy →

FreedInsure is licensed in 42 jurisdictions. New York is our resident state.

We are licensed and actively writing in: AL, AK, AZ, AR, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY (plus a few additional states with active filings).

Not currently licensed: CO, CT, ID, MA, MN, NM, RI, VT, WA — we’ll refer you to a trusted broker in those states or recommend Healthcare.gov direct enrollment.

See state-by-state guides →

FreedInsure is appointed with 40+ carriers across health, life, and supplemental products. Key partners:

• ACA / Marketplace: Ambetter (largest partner), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, Blue Cross Blue Shield (varies by state), Aetna CVS Health, Molina, Anthem
• Year-round PPO: Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule, First Health Network, Pivot Health
• Dental / vision: Ameritas, Renaissance, MetLife, VSP, multiple regional carriers
• Disability: Assurity, Ameritas
• Life insurance: Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha, Banner, John Hancock, AIG, multiple final expense carriers
• Hospital indemnity / accident / critical illness: Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, multiple regional

Being independent means we compare across all of them. Being appointed means we can actually enroll you in their products. All carrier partners →

Phone: 844-788-3733 (toll free, M–F 8am–8pm ET, Sat 9am–5pm ET)

Email: [email protected]

Office:
FreedInsure LLC
1151 Broad Street, Suite 301
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

NPN: 20230457

Online: Submit a quote request anywhere on this site — a licensed advisor will call you within minutes during business hours.

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