Is Obamacare available in all states?

Asked by: Brandon Lubowitz  |  Last update: October 29, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires every state to have a health insurance exchange or marketplace. These exchanges allow individuals and small businesses to purchase their own health insurance coverage or get financial assistance through Medicaid, CHIP, or premium tax credits.

Which states do not have Obamacare?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for low-income people. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Is Obamacare available in every state?

Some parts of it are — but not all of it. Every state does have an insurance exchange. Every state also has financial subsidies to help middle-income Americans to help buy private coverage.

Is Obamacare accepted everywhere?

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.

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

Obamacare Explained: Understanding the Affordable Care Act

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What states offer free health insurance?

  • California. State offers public health coverage to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Colorado. State offers private health coverage with state subsidies to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Illinois. ...
  • Minnesota. ...
  • New york. ...
  • Oregon. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • District of columbia.

What insurance is accepted in all 50 states?

Medicare is run by the federal government, which is why Original Medicare coverage is the same in every state and includes nationwide access to providers.

Can I refuse health insurance from my employer and get Obamacare?

Obamacare is available to everyone, whether or not their employers offer insurance. From a practical standpoint, though, there are financial consequences to doing this. Often, an employer subsidizes part or all of their employees' coverage.

Can I use Obamacare in any state?

When you're traveling outside of California, your insurer doesn't matter: You are only eligible to have emergency and urgent medical services covered. “None of our plans have out-of-state networks,” Lopez says.

Is there an alternative to Obamacare?

There are some alternatives to consider, including short-term medical, private health insurance, zero deductible plans or fixed indemnity plans, and faith-based plans.

What are the hardest states to get Medicaid?

The 10 most deficient state programs have overall scores ranging from between 317.8 and 379.1 of the total 1000 points. The worst, in order from 50th to 41st, are in Mississippi, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Indiana, South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Missouri.

What is the best state for free healthcare?

The top five states for healthcare access are:
  • Hawaii.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Connecticut.
  • Rhode Island.
  • Vermont.

Can I use my health insurance in every state?

If you live in two different states or frequently travel within the country, you may want to sign up for a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. A PPO plan gives you more nationwide options for providers and health care services. That means you're able to use your health insurance no matter where you are.

Does Obamacare cover surgery?

All plans offered in the Marketplace cover these 10 essential health benefits: Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital) Emergency services. Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)

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 happens if your income decreases with Obamacare?

If income drops during the year

You may qualify for a more subsidy or even qualify for any subsidy if you were right on the income 400% level. It's best to keep this information as current and accurate as possible to protect yourself.

Who is exempt from Obamacare?

If you're seeking an exemption because you can't afford coverage, you're a member of a federally recognized tribe, you're incarcerated, or you participate in a recognized health care sharing ministry, you have two options: The exemptions can be claimed when you complete your federal tax return.

What is considered income for Obamacare?

Include: Wages, salaries, tips, etc. Taxable interest. Taxable amount of pension, annuity or IRA distributions and Social Security benefits.

What is Obamacare called now?

Affordable Care Act (ACA) The comprehensive health care reform law was enacted in March 2010. A measure of income issued every year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).