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Tracking the Public’s Views on the ACA

While overall opinion of the Affordable Care Act has been more favorable than unfavorable since 2017, there remain deep partisan divides. See how public opinion on the ACA has changed from the inception of the law to the present. This interactive tool highlights key moments when views shifted and trends based on party identification, income, age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

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  • What happens if I want to quit a Marketplace health plan during the year?

    FAQs

    It is important that you contact both the Marketplace and the health plan and let them know you no longer need coverage. Click here for details on how to terminate Marketplace coverage if you live in a HealthCare.gov state. State-based Marketplaces may have their own process for terminating coverage. Check with your state-based Marketplace for more information if you live in one of these states. Do not simply stop paying the premium for your Marketplace health plan…

  • Which states offer additional financial assistance for Marketplace plans?

    FAQs

    Ten states currently provide eligible residents subsidies in addition to what the federal government provides for their Marketplace plans: • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Maryland • Massachusetts • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • Vermont • Washington Check these state Marketplaces for more information. Click here for links to each state's website.

  • I lost my job and health benefits. I’d like to continue coverage under my group plan through COBRA but am worried I won’t be able to afford it. Is there any help for me?

    FAQs

    Yes.  The American Rescue Plan provides for new, temporary COBRA premium subsidies for people who lost their jobs or had their hours cut so they no longer qualify for group health benefits.  The law provides for a 100% premium subsidy for COBRA for up to 6 months.  The first subsidy-eligible month is April 2021 and the last subsidy-eligible month is September 2021.  Employers will pay the COBRA premium for subsidy-eligible individuals and be reimbursed by…

  • Can someone else, such as my family member, church, or another third party pay my portion of the monthly health insurance premium for me?

    FAQs

    Family members, your church, federal programs such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, or any charity that doesn't condition financial help on health status can pay your premium on your behalf. However, Marketplace plans are discouraged from accepting third-party payments from hospitals and other commercial entities. Some dialysis facilities offer to pay premiums for Medicare-eligible patients with end-stage renal disease who elect Marketplace coverage instead of Medicare. Check with a Marketplace navigator or your State…

  • I received premium tax credits last year. At the end of the year though, my total income ended up being lower than the minimum income eligibility level for premium tax credits. Will I have to repay the...

    FAQs

    No, you will not be required to repay the premium tax credits paid on your behalf when you file your tax return as long as the tax credits were authorized and paid for at least one month during the year. In this situation, if the Marketplace found that your estimated income made you eligible for premium tax credits at the time you enrolled, even though your income later fell below the minimum income eligibility level…

  • What about premiums I already paid in 2021?

    FAQs

    The higher premium subsidies are in effect for the 2021 and 2022 plan years.  For premiums you already paid in 2021, before the new law passed, you can claim the increased tax credit when you file your federal income tax return.

  • Can I be charged higher premiums in the Marketplace if I smoke? Do e-cigarettes count?

    FAQs

    In most states, yes. Generally, an insurer can charge you up to 50% more if you have used tobacco products four or more times per week on average during the past 6 months. This is called a tobacco surcharge. For example, if the premium for somebody your age (before any tax credits are applied) would otherwise be $200 per month, if you are a tobacco user, your premium could be increased to $300 per month.…

  • I received a Form 1095-B in the mail. What’s that?

    FAQs

    Health insurance companies, certain employer-sponsored health plans, and public health programs such as Medicaid may provide you with documentation indicating the months during the prior year when you were covered under the plan. Coverage providers may send Form 1095-B directly to you, but in some cases, you may have to request a Form 1095-B from the coverage provider. If you were enrolled in family coverage, Form 1095-B will indicate the names of all family members who were…

  • What happens if I don’t update my application for financial assistance?

    FAQs

    If you don't update your information with the Marketplace, in most cases, the Marketplace will automatically adjust the amount of your premium tax credit for next year. If that turns out to be less than the amount you’re actually eligible for, you will have to pay more premium each month than you otherwise would have had to, although you can receive a refund for the rest when you file your federal tax return. On the…