Free Health Insurance DC —
$0 Plans & DC Medicaid for 2026
Free health insurance DC residents qualify for is available right now through DC Health Link — the District’s state-based marketplace. Roughly 95,000 D.C. residents enroll annually through DC Health Link, plus 280,000 through DC Medicaid — one of the most generous Medicaid programs in the country (covering parents up to 215% FPL). Most DC enrollees pay $0–$30/month after subsidies. FreedInsure is a DC-licensed broker (NPN: 20230457) — our service is completely free.
FreedInsure is a private licensed broker — not affiliated with DC Health Link, Healthcare.gov, or any government agency. Our service is free to you.
Free Health Insurance District of Columbia — Costs & Subsidies for 2026
Free health insurance DC families and individuals qualify for depends on income and household size. The District of Columbia operates its own marketplace at DC Health Link — not Healthcare.gov. DC has the most generous Medicaid eligibility in the country, with parents covered up to 215% FPL and childless adults to 215% FPL as well. Combined with federal premium tax credits, this gives DC residents multiple pathways to free or near-free coverage. DC Health Link serves all 8 wards.
| Household Size | Annual Income | Est. Monthly Premium | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Childless Adult | Under $32,388 | $0/month | DC Medicaid (up to 215% FPL) |
| Childless Adult | $32,388 – $60,240 | $1 – $80/month | Subsidized QHP via DC Health Link |
| Parent | Under $32,388 | $0/month | DC Medicaid (parents up to 215% FPL) |
| Family of 3 | Under $54,795 | $0/month | DC Medicaid |
| Family of 3 | $54,795 – $101,640 | $10 – $150/month | Subsidized QHP |
| Family of 4 | Under $66,070 | $0/month | DC Medicaid |
| Family of 4 | $66,070 – $124,800 | $25 – $200/month | Subsidized QHP |
| Children Only | Up to 324% FPL | $0/month | DC Healthy Families / CHIP |
Estimates based on 2026 FPL and benchmark plan pricing through DC Health Link. DC fully expanded Medicaid under the ACA and went further — covering parents and childless adults up to 215% FPL (vs. 138% in most expansion states). Children qualify for DC Healthy Families up to 324% FPL. Final eligibility depends on tax filing status, household composition, and immigration status. Get your exact DC estimate →
🏘 DC’s Individual Mandate & the Most Generous Medicaid in the U.S.
Two things make DC unique among health insurance markets. First, DC has its own individual mandate — unlike most states, DC residents face a tax penalty for going without coverage. Second, DC Medicaid is the most generous in the country: parents and childless adults qualify up to 215% of the federal poverty level (compared to 138% in expansion states), and DC Healthy Families covers children up to 324% FPL.
Practical impact: a DC resident earning $30,000/year qualifies for free DC Medicaid where the same person in Virginia would only qualify for a subsidized marketplace plan. FreedInsure screens your Medicaid eligibility first — if you qualify, you save the marketplace premium entirely.
Health Insurance District of Columbia Marketplace Carriers for 2026
DC Health Link offers plans from 3 carriers in the individual market for 2026. As a DC-licensed health insurance broker, FreedInsure compares every option to find the best fit for your doctors, your medications, and your ward — at no cost to you. All three carriers serve the entire District.
CareFirst BCBS dominates the DC individual market with the broadest provider network. Kaiser Permanente offers an integrated HMO model with its own DC clinics and hospitals. Aetna CVS Health provides PPO and EPO options. FreedInsure helps you choose based on which carrier has your specific doctors in network.
Your D.C. Insurance Broker — DC-Licensed, Free Service
FreedInsure is a District of Columbia-licensed insurance brokerage. We’ve enrolled DC residents across all 8 wards — from Foggy Bottom to Anacostia, Capitol Hill to Tenleytown. DC has unique program rules (its own mandate, expanded Medicaid to 215% FPL, DC Healthy Families) that most national brokers don’t fully understand. We do.
The District operates its own marketplace at DC Health Link — not Healthcare.gov. We screen your eligibility for DC Medicaid (up to 215% FPL), DC Healthy Families (children up to 324% FPL), federal premium tax credits, and Qualified Health Plans simultaneously. We apply every program you qualify for. Our service is always free.
Beyond marketplace plans, we also help DC residents with dental and vision, life insurance, hospital indemnity, and supplemental coverage — all through a single licensed advisor.
- ✓DC-licensed broker — NPN: 20230457
- ✓DC Health Link certified — not a federal exchange broker
- ✓DC Medicaid expert — we know the 215% FPL eligibility cutoffs
- ✓3 DC carriers compared by provider network and cost
- ✓DC Medicaid, Healthy Families, & QHP screened in one call
- ✓Free service — carriers pay us, never you
Free Health Insurance District of Columbia — Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really free health insurance DC residents can get?
What is DC Health Link?
Does DC require health insurance?
When is Open Enrollment in D.C.?
Has DC expanded Medicaid?
What carriers offer plans on DC Health Link?
Can I get health insurance DC plans outside of Open Enrollment?
How much does a health insurance broker in DC cost?
How long does it take to get health insurance in D.C. through FreedInsure?
Get Free Health Insurance D.C. Plans Today
A DC-licensed FreedInsure broker compares every DC Health Link plan, screens your DC Medicaid eligibility (up to 215% FPL), applies every premium tax credit you qualify for, and handles enrollment — completely free. Most DC members pay $0–$30/month for comprehensive coverage.
NPN: 20230457 · DC-licensed broker · Free service · Not affiliated with DC Health Link, Healthcare.gov, or any government agency