ACA Health Insurance

About our Marketplace role: Janowski Insurance Services is a licensed insurance producer registered with the federally facilitated Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) to assist consumers with enrollment in Qualified Health Plans. Eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions is determined by the Marketplace; final coverage and premium are determined by the issuing carrier. See our Disclosures page for licensing details.

ACA Marketplace plans are health insurance policies sold under the Affordable Care Act. They're available to individuals and families who don't have qualifying coverage through an employer, Medicaid, or Medicare. In Virginia, plans are sold through HealthCare.gov.

Marketplace plans come in four metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — that differ in how costs are split between premium and out-of-pocket spending. Most enrollees qualify for a premium tax credit based on household income, and many also qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. We help you compare plans, verify networks and prescriptions, and apply any subsidies you're eligible for.

Why choose our ACA guidance

ACA Marketplace plans look similar at a glance, but the differences in network, prescription coverage, and after-subsidy cost can be significant. We work through plan options with you so the comparison reflects what you'll actually pay and what's actually covered.

Subsidy-aware plan comparison

We calculate your premium tax credit and any cost-sharing reduction before recommending a plan, so the comparison reflects your real cost — not the sticker price.

Network and prescription verification before enrollment, not after.

Special Enrollment Period assistance when life events trigger mid-year changes.

Our key benefits

Choosing a Marketplace plan involves balancing the monthly premium against what you'll pay when you actually use care — deductibles, copays, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum. The right metal tier depends on how much care you expect to use and how much risk you can absorb.

Cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans can change the math. For households below a certain income threshold, Silver becomes the most cost-effective tier on a per-benefit basis. We run the numbers with you before you enroll.

Subsidy Guidance

We model your premium tax credit and any cost-sharing reduction before you choose a plan.

Network Verification

We confirm your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are in-network.

Year-Round Support

We handle Special Enrollment Periods, renewals, and 1095-A questions long after enrollment closes.

Frequently asked questions

Find clear and helpful answers to the most common questions about our insurance plans, coverage options, claims process, and policy terms. This section is designed to provide quick guidance and clarity, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.

Marketplace plans are available to U.S. citizens and lawfully present residents who aren't enrolled in Medicare and don't have access to qualifying employer coverage. Income level affects whether you qualify for a premium tax credit, but it doesn't affect your eligibility to enroll.

No. Agent compensation is paid by the insurance carrier, not added to your premium. Your monthly cost is the same whether you enroll on your own or with a licensed producer.

The metal tiers describe how costs are split between premium and out-of-pocket spending. Bronze plans have lower premiums and higher deductibles; Platinum plans are the reverse. Silver plans are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can reduce deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying enrollees.

Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15 each year. Outside of Open Enrollment, you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — losing other coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or certain income changes.

Report income changes to the Marketplace as they happen. Your premium tax credit is based on estimated annual income, and the IRS reconciles it on your tax return. Reporting changes promptly helps avoid owing money back at tax time or missing out on a larger subsidy.

ACA Metal Tiers

Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum — what each tier really means

Marketplace plans come in four tiers based on how costs split between you and the carrier. Here’s the cheat sheet.

Bronze

~60%

covered

Lowest premium, highest deductible.

Quick facts:

  • Best for healthy adults wanting catastrophic protection
  • Highest deductibles ($6K–$9K)
  • Lowest monthly premium of any tier
BEST VALUE

Silver

~70%

covered

The best value tier if you qualify for subsidies.

Quick facts:

  • Best for households earning 100–250% of FPL
  • Only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions
  • Can effectively give Gold-level coverage at Silver prices

Gold

~80%

covered

Lower out-of-pocket, predictable bills.

Quick facts:

  • Best for people who use care regularly
  • Higher monthly premium than Silver
  • Lower deductible & copays when you actually use care

Platinum

~90%

covered

Most comprehensive coverage available.

Quick facts:

  • Best for ongoing or significant medical needs
  • Highest premium of any tier
  • Not all carriers offer Platinum plans

What these terms actually mean

FPL (Federal Poverty Level)

A number the government updates every year, used to figure out who qualifies for help paying for health insurance. For 2026, 100% FPL is about $15,650 for a single person or $32,150 for a family of four. So “138–400% of FPL” means a family of four earning roughly $44,400 to $128,600 qualifies for premium tax credits on a Marketplace plan.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

If your income is between 100–250% of FPL and you pick a Silver plan, the carrier is required to lower your deductible and copays on top of any premium subsidy. A Silver plan with CSRs can effectively give you Gold-level coverage at Silver-level pricing. This is the single most underused benefit on the Marketplace — and the reason we always check Silver first for households in that income range.

  • Open Enrollment: Nov 1 – Jan 15
  • Pre-existing conditions covered
  • Subsidies for incomes 100–400%+ of FPL

Get ACA Marketplace Help

Ready to compare your options?

Tell me a little about your household and I'll come back with a clear comparison — including subsidy eligibility — within one business day. No fee, no obligation, no signup needed.

Used only to estimate Premium Tax Credit eligibility.

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