What is the Marketplace Circle of Champions?
CMS created the Marketplace Circle of Champions program to commemorate the hard work and commitment of Marketplace-registered agents and brokers throughout America. This award recognizes agents and brokers who have actively enrolled 20 or more consumers. Each year, thousands of agents and brokers reach the Marketplace Circle of Champions, highlighting their hard work, expertise, and service.
Baron & Associates takes pride in assisting our clients with obtaining Marketplace coverage. Please contact our office for more information.
What Is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010. The ACA created the Health Insurance Marketplace, where individuals and families can compare and enroll in health insurance plans.
The ACA Has Three Primary Goals
- Make health insurance more affordable
The law provides financial assistance, known as premium tax credits, to help lower monthly insurance costs. Many people qualify based on household income, and assistance may be available even for those earning above 400% of the federal poverty level. - Expand Medicaid coverage
The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility to adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, although Medicaid expansion varies by state. - Improve health care quality and efficiency
The law supports new health care delivery and payment models designed to improve care quality and reduce overall health care costs.
Key Consumer Protections Under the ACA
The Affordable Care Act established important protections, including:
- Coverage for preexisting conditions
- Access to essential health benefits, such as preventive services, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use treatment, maternity care, and rehabilitative services
- Limits on out-of-pocket costs
- Coverage of many preventive services at no additional cost when using in-network providers
Who Can Use the Health Insurance Marketplace?
To enroll in coverage through the Marketplace, you must:
- Live in the United States
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present immigrant
- Not be currently incarcerated (individuals pending disposition may be eligible)
Important Enrollment Dates
For states using the Federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov):
- November 1 – Open Enrollment begins
- December 15 – Deadline for coverage starting January 1
- January 1 – Coverage begins for those enrolled by December 15
- January 15 – Open Enrollment ends
- February 1 – Coverage begins for enrollments completed December 16–January 15
Enrollment deadlines may vary in states that operate their own Marketplaces.