Question 1

What is ACA health insurance and how do I qualify for subsidies?

Accepted Answer

ACA marketplace plans cover pre-existing conditions, all 10 essential health benefits, and have no benefit caps. Subsidies (premium tax credits) are available to households earning 100–400%+ of the federal poverty level. Enhanced subsidies cap premiums at 8.5% of income regardless of income level (2026). Self-employed people can deduct 100% of premiums from federal income tax.

Question 2

What is the difference between ACA and short-term health insurance?

Accepted Answer

ACA plans: cover pre-existing conditions, all 10 essential benefits, no benefit caps, may qualify for subsidies. Short-term plans: exclude pre-existing conditions, don't cover essential benefits, have benefit caps as low as $100,000, don't qualify for subsidies. Federal rules limit initial short-term contracts to 3 months (4 months maximum). For anyone with health conditions, ACA is the only real option.

Question 3

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA) and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

An HSA is a tax-advantaged account for qualified medical expenses. Must be enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). 2026 contribution limits: $4,400 individual / $8,750 family. Triple tax advantage: deductible contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free medical withdrawals. No use-it-or-lose-it — funds roll over indefinitely. At 65: withdraw for any purpose (taxed as income).

Question 4

When can I enroll in ACA health insurance?

Accepted Answer

ACA Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 each year. Coverage starting January 1 requires enrollment by December 15. Coverage starting February 1 requires enrollment by January 15. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are available for qualifying life events: losing job-based coverage, marriage, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new coverage area, and others. SEP window: 60 days from the qualifying event.

The government doesn't want you to know how much you could save. Here's the math.

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