Medicaid or a marketplace plan?

Medicaid is public coverage for people with low income, run by each state. A marketplace plan is private insurance bought through HealthCare.gov or a state marketplace.

Who each is for. Medicaid depends on income and your state’s rules. Marketplace plans are for people who do not qualify for Medicaid and do not have affordable coverage through a job.

What it costs. Medicaid costs little or nothing. A marketplace plan has a monthly premium, which a premium tax credit may lower.

When you can join. Medicaid takes applications all year. Marketplace plans open at open enrollment, or after a life event.

One application. The marketplace application also checks whether you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, so you do not have to guess first.