What's the difference between short term plans and ACA plans?

If you're considering a short term plan or an ACA plan, here's a quick overview of how these two types of plans work.

• Short term plans: can help you get the benefits you need in times where you may have a gap in coverage — like when you're in between jobs or waiting for other coverage to start.
• ACA plans: are sold on the health care Marketplace (also called the Exchange). Depending on your income, you may be eligible for government subsidies that could help lower the cost of an ACA plan.

How do I get individual health insurance?

At any stage in life, finding the right health insurance plan for you — and your family — is important. If you’re looking for individual and family plans and you’re under 65, there are many options to consider, depending on your situation.

For most health insurance plans, you can choose a plan or make changes to a plan you already have during open enrollment. That’s the most common time to get a health insurance plan. However, you can get certain plans like short term insurance or Medicaid at any time during the year.

When you’ve chosen the plan you want, you can enroll. The details of how to enroll will depend on the type of plan. You’ll usually give information about yourself, and other family members covered under your plan. You’ll also review the costs and benefits you’ve chosen.