Marketplace Coverage Might Not Be a Good Alternative to Medicare

Throughout our lives, we experience many significant milestones. From our first steps to our first job, each event marks a turning point that shapes our journey. As you approach your 65th birthday, one such milestone is enrolling in

Medicare

.

For many, it marks the transition from employer/individual-sponsored health insurance to government-funded coverage and can bring both relief and confusion.

You may be faced with choosing a healthcare plan that can impact your health and finances for years to come. Understanding the ins and outs of

Medicare enrollment

is crucial to ensure you get the healthcare coverage you need and avoid costly mistakes.

Let's discuss ACA plans and whether you should choose them over Medicare.

What Are ACA Plans? What Are Its Limitations?

The ACA (Affordable Care Act), also known as Obamacare, is a healthcare reform law passed in the United States in 2010. ACA plans refer to health insurance plans that comply with the regulations outlined in the ACA.

These plans are offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace and provide coverage for essential health benefits, such as hospitalization, prescription drugs, preventive care, and maternity care.

The ACA plans also offer premium subsidies to individuals who meet specific income criteria, lowering their health care coverage cost.

However, these plans can be more expensive than other insurance plans since they cover preexisting conditions — particularly for individuals who earn beyond the subsidy threshold. Additionally, some individuals may be unable to find an ACA plan that includes their preferred healthcare provider or medications.

When Can I Enroll in Medicare?

Medicare eligibility typically begins at age 65, although people with special circumstances may be eligible for Medicare at an earlier age.

You can

sign up for Medicare

during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a seven-month window that includes your 65th birthday month plus three months before and after it.

Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

‎

If you miss your IEP, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 to March 31 each year, but you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.

Is It Possible to Get a Marketplace Plan Alongside Medicare?

Once you enroll in Medicare you cannot join a Marketplace plan. Moreover, it's illegal for anyone aware that you're enrolled in Medicare to offer or sell you a Marketplace plan.

However, if you already have a Marketplace Plan and you're eligible for Medicare, you can continue to keep your Marketplace plan after enrolling in Medicare. But, you may lose any premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions you received before enrolling in Medicare.

For example, Joana has a Marketplace Plan and will be eligible for Medicare in 7 months. She can keep the Marketplace plan until Medicare coverage starts, but once Medicare coverage begins, Joana will lose any financial assistance she received to pay for her Marketplace premiums.

Can I Select Marketplace Coverage over Medicare?

Generally, no, but you can select a Marketplace Plan instead of Medicare in the following scenarios:

Nevertheless, here are a few key factors to consider before you decide to select a Marketplace Plan over Medicare:

If I Become Eligible for Medicare After Enrolling In a Marketplace Plan, What Should I Do?

Generally, if you have a Marketplace plan when you become eligible for Medicare, it is recommended to terminate your Marketplace coverage. However, ensure that you end your Marketplace plan only the day before your Medicare coverage starts to avoid any gaps in your coverage. The following chart displays when your Medicare coverage begins based on the month you enroll.

Medicare Coverage Start Date

‎‎

‎Suppose you are the sole eligible recipient of Medicare while other individuals are included in your Marketplace application. In that case, you can choose to cancel only your coverage while keeping the coverage for the others.

To terminate your Marketplace coverage, you can either log in to your account at

HealthCare.gov

or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

Note that if you receive financial assistance to pay for your Marketplace plan premiums after you enroll in Medicare, you'll need to reimburse some or all of the assistance you received when you file your federal income taxes.

Additionally, if your plan knows you're eligible for Medicare, they will not automatically renew your Marketplace coverage. As a result, this will terminate coverage for everyone listed on your Marketplace plan, including individuals not yet eligible for Medicare. So, it's necessary to cancel your marketplace coverage on time.

ACA Plans or Medicare: Which Is Right for Me?

As you approach age 65, choosing between a Marketplace plan and Medicare can be confusing. Once you enroll in Medicare, you cannot enroll in a Marketplace plan.

If you are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, delaying enrollment in Medicare might not be a good option. You may be subject to late penalties for as long as you have Medicare and lose any financial assistance to cover your Marketplace plan premiums. On the other hand, delaying enrollment in Medicare due to the Part A premium should be carefully considered because some Marketplace plans may actually be more expensive than the Part A premium.

It's important to seek expert advice when choosing between a Marketplace plan and Medicare.

Our advisors

are knowledgeable about the intricacies of Medicare and can help you decide which plan is right for you in the long run. Call us at 888-376-2028 to better understand your financial options in both scenarios and make an informed decision.