With individual and family plans from UnitedHealthcare, you’ll find health insurance coverage with benefits designed with your unique needs in mind — and a focus on supporting your whole health and wellbeing. Let’s explore the options.
What’s the difference between short term plans and ACA plans?
If you’re considering a short term plan or an ACA plan, here’s a quick overview of how these two types of plans work.
| Short term health insurance plans | ACA Marketplace plans |
|---|---|
| Plan basics | |
| Short term plans can help you get the benefits you need in times where you may have a gap in coverage — like when you’re in between jobs or waiting for other coverage to start. | ACA plans are sold on the health care Marketplace (also called the Exchange). Depending on your income, you may be eligible for government subsidies to help lower the cost of an ACA plan. |
| Type and length of coverage | |
| Short term plans offer limited coverage for a limited time. | ACA plans offer comprehensive coverage for a full calendar year as long as you pay your premium. |
| Consider a short-term plan if you: | Consider an ACA plan if you: |
| Missed open enrollment and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)Have a gap until your ACA plan startsWant coverage until you join MedicareTurned 26 and are coming off a parent’s planAre in between jobs or waiting for benefits to startAre healthy and under 65Shop short term plans | Can’t get health insurance through workNeed long-term coverage for you and your familyWant comprehensive benefitsQualify for a premium tax creditShop ACA plans |