Marketplace health plans: straight answers
Plain-English answers about Marketplace coverage, tax credits and enrollment dates. This is general information. Your actual options depend on your application and the plans in your area.
Open Enrollment
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, for 2027 coverage.
For a January 1 start
Enroll by December 15, 2026.
After a life change
Special Enrollment usually gives you 60 days to enroll.
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The basics
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace, sometimes called the exchange, is where individuals and families compare and buy major medical health insurance. It's also where you find out if you qualify for help paying for it.
Most states use HealthCare.gov. Some states run their own Marketplace. Maine is one of them: Maine residents use CoverME.gov.
Who can buy a Marketplace plan?
Most people who don't have Medicare can shop on the Marketplace. Whether you get a tax credit depends on your household income and size, and on whether you have an affordable offer of coverage through a job.
Are Marketplace plans real health insurance?
Yes. They are major medical plans. Every plan covers the essential health benefits, like doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and preventive care.
A Marketplace plan can't turn you down or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition.
Enrollment dates
When can I enroll?
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 if you want coverage to start January 1.
States that run their own Marketplace, like Maine, may set different dates. We'll confirm the dates for your state.
Can I enroll outside Open Enrollment?
Usually only if you have a life change that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. Common examples are losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby.
You usually have 60 days from the event to enroll. We can help you check whether your change qualifies.
What happens after I apply?
The Marketplace checks your information and tells you what you're eligible for. Then you pick a plan and pay your first premium to the insurance company to start your coverage.
We stay available to help with questions along the way.
Costs and tax credits
Will I get a tax credit?
Many people qualify for tax credits that lower their monthly premium; some pay very little. It depends on your household size, expected income, where you live and the plan you pick. We'll check yours.
Am I guaranteed a lower premium?
No. We can walk through the numbers with you, but we can't promise a specific price before you apply.
What are cost-sharing reductions?
If your income qualifies, Silver plans may come with lower deductibles, copays and coinsurance. These are called cost-sharing reductions. We'll check whether they apply to you.
What if my income changes during the year?
Report the change to the Marketplace as soon as you can. Your tax credit may go up or down.
Tax credits are settled on your tax return, so a big change can affect what you owe or get back. We can help you update your application.
Are you tax advisors?
No. Brandon and Jade Sowder are Licensed Independent Insurance Agents/Brokers, not tax professionals. Premium tax credits affect your taxes, so please talk with a tax professional about your situation.
Working with us
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. Insurance companies pay agents when someone enrolls, so there's no fee for our help. The plan's price is the same whether you use us or enroll on your own.
Can I enroll on my own instead?
Yes, at any time. You can enroll at HealthCare.gov (CoverME.gov in Maine) or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325).
Are you part of HealthCare.gov or the government?
No. Sowder Insurance is Brandon and Jade Sowder, Licensed Independent Insurance Agents/Brokers with Mayfield & Associates, a private, independent insurance agency. We are not the Marketplace, and we aren't connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, HealthCare.gov, CoverME.gov or any government agency.
Can you promise my doctor will be covered?
No. We can check each plan's provider directory and drug list with you before you enroll. But networks are set by the insurance company and can change, so always confirm with the plan and your doctor's office too.
Which states do you work in?
We're licensed in FL, AL, AZ, MI, ME, NC, SC, IN, OH and MT. We help by phone, and in person near The Villages, Florida. Brandon: NPN 20622977. Jade: NPN 20595181.
Do you offer other kinds of coverage?
Yes. Some people also ask about limited-benefit plans, like the Protector Plan. It is not major medical insurance and not a Marketplace plan, so tax credits don't apply to it. We'll explain the differences.
Ready to see your options?
Answer three quick questions and we'll check the tax credits you qualify for. There's no cost for our help.
Prefer to pick a time? Book a call or read more on our Marketplace plans page.