> Important: Only ACA-compliant health plans (also called "major medical" or "Marketplace" plans) must cover pre-existing conditions and all essential health benefits. Most products on this page are not ACA plans and are not a replacement for one. Premium tax credits (subsidies) can only be used on a health plan bought through HealthCare.gov or your state's Marketplace.
How we help
We're a licensed insurance agency, First Health Solution, LLC d/b/a Health Enrollment (NPN 17718619). We're not the government. Our job is to help you compare options and understand the trade-offs before you buy.
- We start with the basics. Do you have a health condition? Could you qualify for savings on an ACA plan? Is Open Enrollment open, or do you have a Special Enrollment Period? Those answers shape everything else.
- We explain what each product is and isn't. You'll hear the limits, not just the benefits.
- We look at combinations. Many people do best with an ACA plan as the base, plus one add-on for a specific need.
Common combinations:
| Your situation | A combination to ask about |
|---|---|
| You have an ACA Bronze or other high-deductible plan and worry about the deductible | ACA plan + a gap or hospital indemnity plan |
| Your ACA plan doesn't include adult dental | ACA plan + dental insurance, or + a dental discount program |
| You're active, or your job has injury risk | ACA plan + accident or AD&D coverage |
| You're between jobs and new coverage starts soon | Short-term plan for the gap (if you're healthy and it's sold in your state), or an ACA plan if you have a Special Enrollment Period |
| You run a small business | SHOP or small-group plan, or an HRA that helps employees buy their own plan |
Products available depend on your state and on the insurance companies we work with (the insurance companies we represent). Not every product is sold in every state. Available in: the states where we’re licensed and the plan is sold (ask a licensed agent).
Compare the options
| Product | What it pays for | Good for | Not for | ACA-compliant? | Counts as minimum essential coverage (MEC)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACA health plan (for comparison) | A broad range of care, including the 10 essential health benefits, after your deductible and copays | Almost everyone. Required if you want premium tax credits or have health conditions | — | Yes | Yes |
| Short-term health plan | Some medical costs for a short time, with limits and exclusions | Healthy people with a short, temporary gap in coverage | People with health conditions, pregnancy, or ongoing prescriptions; anyone who qualifies for ACA savings | No | No |
| Gap plan | A set dollar amount toward costs like a hospital stay or surgery, paid to you | People with a high-deductible plan who want help with a big bill | Use as your only coverage | No | No |
| Fixed indemnity plan | A set dollar amount per day in the hospital, or per visit or service, paid to you no matter what the bill is | A fixed payment you can put toward costs your main plan leaves you, or toward everyday bills | Use as your only coverage | No | No |
| Dental insurance | A share of the cost of covered dental care, up to a yearly maximum | People who want help paying for cleanings, fillings and other dental work | Medical care | Not required (it's a separate "excepted benefit") | No |
| Dental and vision discount programs | Nothing. You pay the provider a discounted price | People who want lower prices at participating dentists or eye care providers | Anyone who needs insurance. Not insurance | No (not insurance) | No |
| Critical illness insurance | A lump sum to you after a covered diagnosis, like a heart attack, stroke or cancer | People with a health plan who want cash for costs and lost income after a serious diagnosis | Anyone without a health plan; conditions the policy excludes | No | No |
| Accident insurance | Set amounts to you for covered injuries, like ER visits and fractures | Active people and families with a deductible to cover | Illness of any kind | No | No |
| Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) | A lump sum if you die or lose a limb, sight, etc. from a covered accident | A lump-sum benefit on top of life and health insurance, for accidents only | Death or loss from illness; medical bills | No | No |
| Group and membership options | Depends on the product. SHOP and small-group plans are full health coverage. Membership programs vary | Employers; people offered coverage through work | — | Group health plans: yes. Membership programs: usually not | Group health plans: yes. Membership programs: usually not |
Questions to ask before you buy any of these
1. Is this an ACA plan? If not, what won't it pay for? 2. Does it cover pre-existing conditions? How far back does it look? 3. Is there a waiting period before benefits start? 4. What's the most it will pay, per day, per event, or per year? 5. Can the company cancel it or refuse to renew it? Can the price go up? 6. Who's the insurance company, and is it licensed in my state?
A licensed agent should answer all of these before you enroll. You can also check any company or agent with your state insurance department.
You can always go direct
You can apply for an ACA plan on your own at HealthCare.gov or your state's Marketplace. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Dates differ in states that run their own Marketplace.
Frequently asked questions
Are these products Obamacare plans?
No. Short-term, gap, fixed indemnity, dental, discount and accident products are not ACA (Obamacare) health plans. Some are useful add-ons to an ACA plan. Only an ACA plan bought through the Marketplace can come with premium tax credits.
Can I use my subsidy on a short-term or gap plan?
No. Premium tax credits can only be used on a health plan bought through HealthCare.gov or a state Marketplace.
Can I have an ACA plan and one of these at the same time?
Yes. Many people pair an ACA plan with a gap, dental, or accident plan. The add-on has its own price and rules.
Why would I choose something other than an ACA plan?
Usually for a specific need: a short gap between jobs, help with a high deductible, dental care, or accident protection. An ACA plan is usually the better choice if you have health conditions, are pregnant, take regular medicines, or qualify for savings.
Do I have to buy anything if I call?
No. Talking to an agent is free, and you don't have to buy anything.
Important information
ObamaCare-Enroll.org is owned and operated by First Health Solution, LLC d/b/a Health Enrollment, a licensed insurance agency (NPN 17718619). We are not a government agency and are not HealthCare.gov or a state Marketplace. Short-term, gap, fixed indemnity, critical illness, accident and dental insurance products are not comprehensive health insurance and are not a substitute for an ACA-compliant health plan. Discount programs are not insurance. These products have exclusions and limitations. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call a licensed agent. Not all products are available in all states. A licensed insurance agent may contact you if you request information.
Last reviewed October 2026. Not available in all states. This page is general information; see the policy for complete terms.