Yes. Some States have developed their own Marketplaces while others have defaulted to the Federally-Facilitated Exchange/Marketplace managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Service (CMS).

Regardless of which entity manages the Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov  or call the Customer
Service Center toll-free at 800-318-2596 to be directed to the correct
Exchange/Marketplace applicable to you.

Individuals interested may only apply for plans available in the State where he/she is
a resident.  Residency status is established by each State.

There is a menu of plan design options available categorized as  Bronze (60%), Silver
(70%), Gold (80%) and Platinum (90%), determined by the actuarial value levels of
benefits.  The plans frequently incorporate limited provider networks and high
deductibles as cost containment measures.

Individuals with low and moderate incomes may be eligible for an upfront premium tax credit
(subsidy) when purchasing insurance through the Exchanges/Marketplaces in order to reduce
their monthly premiums.  Premium tax credits (subsidies) will be based on the lowest
cost “Silver Plan”.  That amount can be used to purchase a lesser or greater plan,
however, the individual will be responsible for any additional premium.  

Once enrolled in an Exchange/Marketplace plan, one must continue enrollment in the same plan
throughout the policy year unless a qualifying life event occurs, such as moving to a new
state, certain changes in income, or changes in family size (i.e., marriage, divorce, or
birth of a child).

Premium subsidy is also referred to as the Premium Tax Credit.  Individuals with low and
moderate incomes may be eligible for an upfront premium tax credit (subsidy) when purchasing
insurance through the Exchanges/Marketplaces in order to reduce their monthly
premiums.  Premium tax credits (subsidies) will be based on the lowest cost “Silver
Plan”.  That amount can be used to purchase a lesser or greater plan, however, the
individual will be responsible for any additional premium.  

Eligibility for premium tax credit (subsidy) is based on the Tax Filing and Social Security
data provided by the applicant to verify household income. Therefore, if a student is
considered a dependent on their parents’ tax return, their eligibility for a subsidy is
based on their parents’ income.

To qualify for a premium tax credit (subsidy) to purchase insurance through the
Exchange/Marketplace in a State that has expanded Medicaid, one must be a member of a
household with earnings between 133% (138% with a 5% disregard = 133%) and 400% of the
Federal Poverty Level, with no access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage that has
minimum value.

To determine your eligibility for a premium tax credit (subsidy) go to www.healthcare.gov or call the Customer Service
Center toll-free at 800-318-2596.

The initial intent under PPACA, was that all States would be required to provide Medicaid
coverage for adults between ages 18 to 65 with incomes up to 133% of the Federal Poverty
Level, regardless of their age, family status or health.  Due to the Supreme Court’s
Decision, not all States will expand Medicaid eligibility. 

To find out if your State has expanded Medicaid, visit
http://kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act/

Visit http://medicaid.gov/ and select your State for
complete information regarding eligibility

 Yes, Colleges and Universities may continue to require students to have health
insurance as a condition of attendance.  This requirement can be met by enrolling in
the school-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan, or completing a waiver form showing
proof of comparable coverage.  In addition, schools may set specific coverage
standards.

No, individuals interested in purchasing coverage through the Exchange/Marketplace may
only apply for plans available in the State where he/she is a resident.  Each
State has its own residency definitions and requirements which must be met for a person to
legally be considered a resident.  

International students who are legally in the United States are eligible to purchase a plan
through the Exchange/Marketplace, but are not eligible for a premium tax credit
(subsidy).  Coverage requirements for International students are outlined in the final
HHS Rule on Student Health Insurance Plans.

Health Insurance Plans purchased outside of the Exchange/ Marketplace, including Student
Health Insurance Plans, are not eligible for any federal premium tax credit
(subsidy).

It is important to explore all options and choose the one that is the most cost effective
when taking into consideration both premium cost and out-of-pocket costs.  Here are
some aspects of Student Health Insurance Plans to consider:

• Student Health Insurance Plans offer lower deductibles, co-payments, out-of-pocket
  maximums, and premiums as compared to the lower cost options (i.e. Bronze, Silver, and
  Catastrophic) offered through the Exchanges/Marketplaces.
• Coverage under a Student Health Insurance Plan meets the Individual Mandate requirement
  of Minimum Essential Coverage.
• Student Health Insurance Plans are designed to “wrap around” campus Student
  Health/Counseling/Athletic Services to provide the best access to Primary and Preventive
  healthcare.
• One can only purchase coverage under the Exchange/Marketplace applicable to the State in
  which he or she is a resident.  For students attending school out-of-state, this
  poses risky coverage limitations given that Exchange/Marketplace plans most often
  require participants to receive non-emergency care within their Preferred Provider
  Network, which is often Regional.
• Student Health Insurance Plans offer access to expansive Preferred Provider Networks –
  they are typically designed around a robust National Network.
• Student Health Insurance Plans include Travel Assistance Coverage which guarantees
  coverage during semester breaks, summer vacation and even while traveling or studying
  abroad. 
• Student Health Insurance is purchased either voluntarily, or on a hard waiver basis as a
  charge to the student’s tuition bill.  Though there is no premium tax credit
  (subsidy) available, there are also no tax implications.
• Depending on the institution, in some cases students can use Financial Aid to purchase
  Student Health Insurance.
• For low income students living in States that have not expanded Medicaid, Student Health
  Insurance will likely prove to be the most cost-efficient option.
• Student Health Insurance Plans are not subject to community rating requirements;
  therefore, premiums are based on the actual claims experience of a similar population
  (college students) as opposed to the general population, as is the case through the
  Exchanges/Marketplaces.