How it works

Individuals and their families can usually get insurance coverage two ways, either on the open commercial market or through the Marketplace exchanges. The Marketplace exchanges determine if a person is eligible for a premium subsidy or tax credit on their monthly payments, and, depending on income level, a reduction in costs when the plan is used. Depending on the State, the Marketplace exchanges are either managed by the federal government (Healthcare.gov) or by the State itself (such as Nevada Health Link and Covered California).