HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE EXCHANGE 3
comprehensive employer-based coverage plan can use the shop (Almgren, 2016). One can
equally get cost assistance from the exchange if they earn less than earn less than 400% of the
FPL (Federal Poverty Level) and lacks access to employer-based insurance (Pozen &
Stimpson, 2017). Last, anyone that is already enrolled in government health programs does
not need to use the insurance marketplace exchange.
Another important aspect of the marketplace is knowing how to sign up on the site.
There are four ways one can use to sign up for their state’s health insurance marketplace: find
the website of their state’s marketplace, get in-person assistance via
LocalHelp.Healthcare.gov, mail in a paper application, or call the 1-800-318-2596, which is
the 24/7 marketplace helpline number (Obamacare Facts, 2017). If one chooses to access the
marketplace via the website, which is the most preferred method for most Americans, there
are steps to follow (Obamacare Facts, 2017). They will, first, need to set up an account and
then proceed to fill out the online application form. Second, he then will need to compare the
available options before enrolling in the one he finds most suitable to him. Once on the
marketplace, there are four types of qualified health plans that one can purchase: Platinum,
Silver, Bronze, and Gold. Platinum contains 10 percent out-of-pocket cost on non-covered
items, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold having 40, 30, and 20 percent respectively. Affordable
insurance assumes that one will purchase a silver plan (Obamacare Facts, 2017).
Concisely, a health insurance marketplace provides an excellent platform where
Americans can shop for and buy a plan that most suits them. The service explains vital details
of why an individual needs to have health insurance coverage and also how the platform
operates. The marketplace enables eligible citizens to acquire affordable plans. Besides,
people are equally entitled to similar subsidies or cost-assistance, including help with out-of-
pocket costs, Medicaid or CHIP, and premium tax credits, as is the case with other platforms.