Each plan sold in the Marketplace must provide a link on the Marketplace web site to its health provider directory so consumers can find out if their health providers are included. The provider network information from insurance companies must also tell you whether a provider is accepting new patients.

Plans are generally not required to cover care received from an out-of-network (OON) provider. When they do, it is often with much higher cost-sharing than for in-network services.

If your state uses HealthCare.gov (federally-facilitated Marketplace), a prescription look-up tool is available on HealthCare.gov that will tell you whether your health plan covers a prescription drug on its “formulary” (a list of covered drugs) and other information such as the cost sharing structure. A similar feature may be available if your state operates its own Marketplace website.

It depends on your age. Routine dental coverage for children ages 18 and under is an essential health benefit. This means it must be available to any children you have, either as a covered benefit under your health plan or as a free-standing dental plan.

Not if you're buying a Marketplace plan. These plans are not allowed to charge you more based on your health status or pre-existing condition. However, some plans, such as short-term policies, that are sold off the Marketplace might turn you down or charge you more based on your health status or pre-existing condition.

Yes, in most states you can, within limits. Federal rules allow insurers to charge older adults (e.g., in their sixties) up to three times the premium they would charge younger adults (e.g., in their early twenties), although states can establish lower limits or a complete prohibition on “age rating.

Family premiums will reflect the composition of family members, their ages and their tobacco use. To calculate a “family premium,” insurers will add together a separate premium for each adult age 21 and older. In addition, insurers can charge a separate premium for up to three children under age 21.

Your enrollment in the health plan is not complete until the insurance company receives your first premium payment. In most states you will make your premium payments directly to the health insurance company. Once you’ve selected your plan, the Marketplace will direct you to your insurance company’s website to make the initial premium payment.

All insurers in the Marketplace are required to accept money orders, checks, pre-paid debit cards, and electronic funds transfers (EFT), which are digital direct deposits. They do not have to accept credit card or debit card payments unless states require it, although many insurers accept all of these forms of payment.