Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Plans

Explore Your Options on the Health Insurance Marketplace

Checklist with a shield, indicating security or verification.

ACA health insurance-often called Obamacare-provides comprehensive coverage through government-regulated Marketplace plans. These Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans cover essential health benefits like hospital care, doctor visits, maternity, and prescription drugs. At The HgO Group, we help you compare Marketplace insurance options, determine subsidy eligibility, and enroll in a plan that meets your budget and healthcare needs.


Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your current coverage, our licensed agents make the ACA enrollment process easy-from quote to coverage.

What Is the ACA Marketplace?

Health Insurance That Follows the Law-And Works for You

The ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange) is where you can enroll in health insurance plans that meet federal coverage standards. These plans:

Couple on couch looking at laptop, smiling; papers and pens on table.
Shield icon with a checkmark next to a person, implying security and approval.

Cover 10 essential health benefits

Black and white handshake icon, representing agreement or collaboration.

Are guaranteed issue (no denial due to pre-existing conditions)

Hand holding a coin with a dollar sign.

Set limits on out-of-pocket costs to protect you financially

Each plan is offered by a private insurer but regulated by the ACA to ensure fair access and quality care. If you're not covered through an employer or a public program like Medicare, the Marketplace is the main path to affordable, regulated insurance.

Open Enrollment & Deadlines

When Can You Apply for ACA Insurance?

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) happens once a year-typically from November 1 to January 15. During this window, you can:

  • Apply for a new ACA plan
  • Switch plans
  • Renew your current coverage

If you enroll by December 15, your coverage usually starts January 1. Outside of OEP, you'll need a qualifying life event-like losing job-based coverage or moving-to apply through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Subsidies & Cost Assistance

You May Qualify for Help Paying Premiums

Many people qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) based on income and household size. These credits lower your monthly cost-and they're available to individuals and families across a wide income range.


If your income is lower, you might also be eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans, which lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.

Our team can help you:

  • Check if you qualify
  • Estimate your subsidy
  • Choose a plan that fits your budget

How to Choose the Right ACA Plan

Coverage Tiers, Networks, & What to Look For

Shield icon with a star in a circle, indicating security or quality.

Every Marketplace plan fits into one of four "metal tiers":

  • Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs
  • Silver: Mid-range costs; only plans eligible for CSRs
  • Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs
  • Platinum: Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs
Hospital building icon.

You'll also want to consider:

  • Whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network
  • Prescription drug coverage (formulary)
  • HMO vs PPO network structure
  • Monthly premium vs deductible trade-offs

We help you weigh all these factors and choose confidently.

Why Use an Agent for ACA Enrollment?

Free Expert Help-Same Price as Doing It Yourself

ACA plan prices are the same whether you enroll on your own or through a licensed agent-so why not get free, expert help?


At The HgO Group:

  • We walk you through every step of enrollment
  • Avoid common mistakes on Healthcare.gov
  • Help you compare plans based on your needs
  • Review your doctors, prescriptions, and subsidy eligibility

We support clients in North Carolina and across the country-whether it's your first ACA plan or you're switching during Open Enrollment.

Missed Open Enrollment?

If you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may want to consider temporary coverage options like short-term health insurance.

A black and white icon of a phone on a white background.

Get Enrolled in an ACA Plan Today

Free Help with Quotes, Subsidy Checks & Enrollment

Whether you're renewing coverage or shopping ACA health plans for the first time, we're here to help. Our licensed agents will walk you through every step-from checking your subsidy to finding the most affordable option that fits your healthcare needs.


Contact us now to get started or