Health Insurance
Health Insurance from the Marketplace — We'll Help You Enroll
Understand the ACA marketplace process, compare plans, and apply for savings with guidance from Tan's Agency.
How marketplace health insurance works
The Health Insurance Marketplace lets you compare private health plans that meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for subsidies that lower your monthly premium — and sometimes your deductibles and copays.
Tan's Agency helps individuals and families in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia shop and enroll. You can start online through our secure marketplace partner link, or call us if you want to walk through it together.
The process: step by step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible to enroll
Most people enroll during Open Enrollment (typically November–January). You can also enroll outside that window if you have a Special Enrollment Period — for example after losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving.
- 2
Gather household & income information
You'll need Social Security numbers (or document numbers), dates of birth, ZIP code, and an estimate of household income for the year. Income helps determine whether you qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly cost.
- 3
Compare marketplace plans
Plans are grouped by metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Lower premiums usually mean higher deductibles. Silver plans are often a smart starting point if you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions.
- 4
Check doctors, hospitals & prescriptions
Before you enroll, confirm your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network and that your medications are covered on the plan's formulary. The cheapest plan isn't always the best fit.
- 5
Apply for savings (if eligible)
Based on your income and household size, you may qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits that reduce your monthly premium. Some people also get help with deductibles and copays through cost-sharing reductions (usually with Silver plans).
- 6
Enroll and pay your first premium
Once you pick a plan, complete enrollment and pay the first premium by the deadline. Coverage typically starts the first of the following month (or January 1 for Open Enrollment selections, depending on when you enroll).
- 7
Use your coverage & update changes
After your plan starts, use your member ID card for care. If your income, address, or household changes mid-year, update your marketplace application — it can affect your subsidies and eligibility.
Key things to know
Open Enrollment
The main yearly window to shop and switch marketplace plans without a qualifying life event.
Special Enrollment
Losing coverage, marriage, birth/adoption, or a move can open a limited enrollment window — often 60 days.
Metal tiers
Bronze = lower premium / higher out-of-pocket. Gold/Platinum = higher premium / lower out-of-pocket when you use care.
Subsidies
Premium tax credits are based on household income. Many families pay less than the full sticker price.
Ready to shop plans?
Use our HealthSherpa link to compare marketplace plans with Tan's Agencyas your agent — or call us and we'll guide you through enrollment.
FAQ
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange) is where individuals and families can compare and enroll in ACA-compliant health plans, and apply for financial help based on income.
Do I have to use Healthcare.gov directly?
No. You can enroll through a licensed agent or an approved partner platform. Tan's Agency helps clients shop marketplace plans through HealthSherpa — at no extra cost to you for using our help.
What if I have a job offer or employer coverage?
If your employer offers affordable coverage that meets minimum value, you usually won't qualify for marketplace premium tax credits. We can help you compare options.
Can you help in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam?
Yes. Tan's Agency can walk you through marketplace enrollment in English, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam.
Prefer another language? Visit our Telugu / Hindi / Tamil / Malayalam page.
Shop health plans with Tan's Agency
Compare marketplace options and enroll with help from a local independent agency.