Can you get Obamacare if you are not working?

Asked by: Leta Prohaska  |  Last update: May 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)

Option 1: Enroll in a Marketplace plan If you leave your job for any reason (even if you quit or get fired) and lose your job-based health insurance, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan. You'll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll to get coverage for the rest of the year.

Can I get Obamacare if I don't work?

Unemployed people can get medical insurance through the state and federal health insurance marketplace plans. Marketplace plans are sold during Open Enrollment, which happens every year from November 1 through January 15.

Can an unemployed person get Obamacare?

ACA Health Insurance Coverage If You Leave A Job

The Open Enrollment Period to sign up for a Marketplace insurance plan is November 1 through January 15, though these dates can vary by state. However, if you experience a job loss, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

What disqualifies you from Obamacare?

To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you must: Live in the United States (U.S). Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be lawfully present non-citizen in the U.S. Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Not be incarcerated.

What is the best health insurance for unemployed people?

The best health insurance for unemployed individuals depends on your specific needs and financial situation. Medicaid offers health coverage for those with little to no income. For others, the Health Insurance Marketplace may provide affordable plans, especially for those eligible for financial help to lower costs.

Enrolling in Obamacare | 3 Mistakes to Avoid

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Can you get Obamacare if you have zero income?

There is no income limit. To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you: Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present).

Why do I not qualify for Obamacare?

You are not eligible for Obamacare if: You do not live in the U.S. You are incarcerated. You are not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present noncitizen in the U.S.

Does Obamacare check income?

When you fill out a Marketplace application, you'll need to estimate what your household income for the year. Marketplace savings are based on your expected household income for the year you want coverage, not last year's income. You'll be asked about your current monthly income and then about your yearly income.

How do you qualify for free Obamacare?

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, free or nearly-free premium silver plans with very low deductibles are available to all Marketplace subsidy-eligible enrollees with incomes up to 150% of poverty ($20,385 for individuals or $41,625 for families of four enrolling in 2023).

What is the poverty line Act?

The Poverty Line Act would update the way the Federal government calculates the federal poverty line by accounting for real costs and adjusting for regional differences. This would make millions of more families eligible for safety net programs, including Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), LIHEAP, and many more.

Can you be turned down for Obamacare?

No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started. Once you're enrolled, the plan can't deny you coverage or raise your rates based only on your health.

Can you make too little for Obamacare?

The Affordable Care Act enrollment process will help you sign up for Medicaid in your state. If your income is below 100% of the federal poverty level, you are probably not eligible for savings on an ACA plan or for Medicaid solely based on income.

What happens in America if you can't afford healthcare?

Americans are no longer taxed for not carrying health insurance. Medical debt contributes to a large number of bankruptcies in America. Access to quality primary care is critical, but doctors have the right to refuse patients without insurance or who are able to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

What are the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act?

The pros of the ACA include prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on health history and providing subsidies to reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The cons of the ACA include small business challenges and limited provider options in some regions.

Can I pay for health insurance myself?

You can buy health coverage through the individual Health Insurance Marketplace ®. You're not considered an employer only because you hire independent contractors to do some work.

Can you get Obama care if you don't work?

If you lost health insurance through a job, you can find coverage through the Marketplace.

What disqualifies you from the premium tax credit?

For tax years other than 2021 and 2022, if your household income on your tax return is more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size, you are not allowed a premium tax credit and will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your tax family members.

Does everyone accept Obamacare?

Understanding your coverage options under Obamacare

Just like any other health plan, your Marketplace plan may not be accepted by every doctor, hospital, or provider. Many Marketplace insurance plans have limited or “narrow” networks of doctors and hospitals that agree to accept these lower negotiated prices.

Is Obamacare worth it?

Proponents of the health care legislation, frequently referred to as Obamacare, have called it a historic political achievement and landmark legislation that reformed the US health care system by lowering health care costs, making health care more affordable, and protecting consumers.

What is the average deductible for Obamacare?

KFF also reported the average 2024 deductible for marketplace plans sold via HealthCare.gov, (combined for medical and prescription drugs) by metal rating: $7,258 for Bronze plans, $5,241 for Silver plans, $1,430 for Gold plans, and $97 for Platinum plans.

Who actually pays for Obamacare?

The federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid expansion. Individual Mandate: The ACA also originally included an “individual mandate” or requirement for most people to maintain health insurance.