Stories of Impact: The Voices of State-Based Marketplace Consumers
Consumers come to the state-based marketplaces for different reasons, including seeking coverage to address specific health care needs, accessing preventive services, or ensuring financial protection from unexpected illness or injury. Regardless of their reasons, consumers explain how access to affordable coverage through the marketplaces reduces barriers to care and gives them the independence necessary to pursue new opportunities without fear of lacking a reliable source of coverage.
These firsthand accounts from consumers highlight the transformative impact of the state marketplaces on their lives.
Affordable Access to Quality Care
Through the marketplaces, consumers can access essential health care services without facing a significant financial burden. With limited and predictable cost sharing, consumers can access prescription medications, free preventive check-ups, or address unexpected illnesses.
Sherri, Massachusetts — Enrolled through the Massachusetts Health Connector
Sherri from Massachusetts said her family uses their health care regularly — she has multiple health problems, her daughter receives mental health care, and her husband and son get regular checkups. She said getting subsidized coverage is a difference-maker. “Honestly, without the Health Connector, myself and my family would not have health insurance. We can barely afford to pay our mortgage and buy a few groceries.”
Barbara, Washington, DC — Enrolled through DC Health Link
“With my coverage through DC Health Link, I don’t have to worry that, if I get sick or need to see a doctor, I will face an overwhelming financial burden. Quality health insurance coverage through DC Health Link gives me peace of my mind. This is critical for me, both personally and professionally.”
Kristina, California — Enrolled through Covered California
Hands-On Enrollment Assistance
Buying health insurance can be overwhelming, but state marketplaces prioritize easing consumer experience by providing free enrollment assistance through local brokers, enrollment assisters, and health insurance navigators. The availability of marketplace-certified professionals, as well as informed call center staff to help consumers understand their options, means that enrollees can feel confident finding the right coverage to fit their needs.
Anonymous, Washington — Enrolled through Washington HealthPlanFinder
“I had been working for a local school district for 13 years when I decided to venture out and follow my dream come true — opening a flower shop! I had been so reluctant to do this, primarily because of health benefits… Once [broker] was able to get a clearer picture of our financial situation, she was able to access the subsidies available through Cascade Public Option plan. Our payments are now going to be approximately $108/month and the most we will pay for my husband’s cancer treatment is $2,500!!! I cried when [broker] told me and I had to ask more than a few times if this was real. The weight lifted by this opportunity is truly life changing. We are grateful for the kind and compassionate care we received from [broker]. As she said “this is why I love my job.””
Dependable Coverage for Chronic Conditions
People with chronic illnesses and pre-existing conditions can access comprehensive health insurance through marketplaces, ensuring they have access to critical services and enabling them to manage their health effectively. Marketplaces help by ensuring that eligible people can access premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for their health insurance which is crucial for health care affordability.
Alison, Pennsylvania — Enrolled through Pennie
“The enhanced funding that was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act for ACA health insurance subsidies literally saved my life. I’m an insulin dependent diabetic, and in 2018 my husband and I became uninsured. We made too much to qualify for any sort of assistance, and despite us being hard working professionals in our industries, we also didn’t make nearly enough to purchase health insurance ourselves. Because I couldn’t afford insulin without health insurance, I spent the next two years rationing and even going without insulin, and going to bed every night terrified that I may not wake up the next day… Everything changed in 2021 though, and because income limits and subsidies were both increased for ACA health plans via the American Rescue Plan Act, affordable health insurance was finally available to us via Pennie. Not only were the plans affordable, but we qualified for an Advanced Premium Tax Credit large enough to cover our entire monthly premium, and the coverage is fantastic! I thank God every single day for those changes that allowed us to obtain health insurance, for Pennie, and for the Pennie navigator at our local hospital who helped us qualify, choose a plan and get enrolled.”
Lisa, Minnesota — Enrolled through MNsure
“I went to an insurance company and I had no idea there was MNsure out there. I was thinking I would be paying full price. I had to make sure when I signed up, because I’m a breast cancer survivor, I had to make sure it included [my clinic] and my oncologist so I picked the best plan. It was affordable. I had in my head I’d be paying $800 to $1,000 because if my cancer comes back I need to make sure I’m fully covered, but I was wrong… I was completely blown away. Being self-employed, you don’t get a lot of perks. So, this was a nice surprise.”
Enabling Financial Independence
Marketplace insurance allows for economic mobility and innovation in the workforce by providing consumers with the flexibility to pursue career changes or to start their own businesses.
Paula, Maryland — Enrolled through Maryland Health Connection
Lisa, Washington, DC — Enrolled through DC Health Link
“DC Health Link and the [ACA] have allowed my family to purchase health insurance multiple times for almost a decade as my family’s employment status changed. I have worked as a self-employed corporate photographer for over 20 years, and I am now a single mother after the death of my husband. Without DC Health Link, I would be unable to afford coverage for me and my son… I have seen firsthand that good insurance prevents financial ruin during times of life-changing illness. The silver plan I have through DC Health Link allows me to sleep at night without worry because I know that I have coverage that will provide for the care I need, a deductible that I can afford, and the support of the customer service representatives at DC Health Link.”
