Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re balancing everything by yourself. But you're not without support.

Whether you’re eligible for coverage through a job, the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid, there are dependable options that can help you stay protected and manage your healthcare needs with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Marketplace health insurance is available for single adults, even if you're healthy and rarely use medical services.
• You may qualify for savings based on your income and household size.
• Most Marketplace plans include preventive care, virtual visits and other benefits with no additional cost.
• Medicaid is another affordable option if you meet income requirements.

Understanding Your Options

You don’t need to be on a job-based plan to get quality health coverage. Whether you’re working full time, between jobs or earning a lower income, there are several good ways to stay protected.

Employer-Sponsored Coverage

If your job offers health insurance, it’s often your best choice. These plans usually have strong coverage and lower costs than buying insurance on your own.

Not every job includes health insurance, especially with small companies. And sometimes the coverage may be expensive or limited. Always check the details to see if the plan works for you.

Medicaid

If you have a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid. This is a free or low-cost program run by your state and the federal government. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and more.

You can apply at any time of the year, and eligibility depends on your income and where you live. Learn more about Medicaid here.

Health Insurance Marketplace

The Marketplace is another place to get health insurance, especially if your job doesn’t offer it. These plans cover a wide range of services, including checkups, prescriptions and emergency care. They also include pediatric dental and vision, and some may offer adult options, too.

If your job does offer insurance, you can still choose a Marketplace plan. But you may not get savings unless your job-based coverage is considered too expensive. Find out how job-based insurance affects savings here.

Other Options

If you’re under 30 or meet certain hardship rules, a catastrophic plan might be available. These plans are lower in cost each month but come with high deductibles. They’re best for emergencies and big medical costs, not everyday care.

Important Considerations When Choosing Health Insurance

Choosing a health plan on your own can feel overwhelming but focusing on a few key features can help you find the right fit.

Comprehensive Coverage

Look for a plan that includes all the essentials, like preventive care, coverage for emergencies and ongoing support for chronic conditions. All Marketplace plans cover pre-existing conditions and offer essential health benefits like prescriptions, hospital care, mental health services and more.

Plus, typically all include pediatric vision, and some plans may offer adult dental and vision as well.

Consistent and Predictable Costs

Marketplace plans are designed to make it easier to manage your healthcare budget. They offer consistent monthly premiums and clear cost-sharing rules, so you’re less likely to be surprised by a medical bill.

Affordability

Many people qualify for financial help that can lower monthly premiums or reduce out-of-pocket costs. These include:

• Premium tax credits to lower your monthly payment
• Cost-sharing reductions to help with deductibles and copays (available with Silver plans)

These savings can make a plan more affordable than you might expect, even one with stronger coverage.

Provider Networks and Plan Choices

Every plan includes a specific network of doctors, clinics and hospitals. Make sure your preferred providers are included before you enroll. You’ll also have choices when it comes to cost and coverage levels, so you can pick the plan that fits your needs and budget.

How to Choose The Best Option for Your Needs

Start by checking if you qualify for Medicaid based on your income. If you do, it may be your most affordable and comprehensive option. If you don’t qualify, explore coverage through your job (if offered) or a Marketplace plan.

Next, compare your costs. Look at both your monthly premium and the out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. If you don’t have access to job-based insurance, you may qualify for Marketplace subsidies that can lower your costs.

You’ll also want to:

• Review the provider network for each plan to make sure your doctors and clinics are included.
• Check the drug formulary to see if your prescriptions are covered.
• Think about your current health needs and future plans. For example, do you plan to start a family soon? Choose a plan that fits your needs now and can grow with you.

Here’s a quick comparison of the most common plan types:

Questions About Health Insurance Options for Single Adults