Your Advisor
Taylor Turner
Account Manager
Ready to Find the Right ACA Plan?
Let Buffer compare plans, estimate your subsidies, and walk you through enrollment — all at no cost to you.
Schedule a Call with Taylor →Buffer Insurance is an independent brokerage that helps individuals and families navigate the ACA Marketplace. We compare plans from all available carriers, help you maximize subsidies, and guide you through enrollment — at no cost to you.
Get Free ACA Plan Help →The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop for coverage. All ACA plans are required to cover essential health benefits — including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, preventive care, maternity care, mental health services, and more — and cannot deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions.
Most people who do not have health insurance through an employer, Medicare, or Medicaid can purchase an ACA plan. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that significantly reduce your monthly cost. Buffer helps you understand your options, estimate your subsidies, and enroll in the plan that fits your needs and budget.
ACA plans are grouped into four metal tiers. The tiers differ in how you and the plan share costs — not in the quality of care. Higher-tier plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you use care.
Bronze plans cover about 60% of healthcare costs on average. You pay the lowest monthly premium but higher deductibles and copays when you need care. Best for healthy individuals who want protection against worst-case scenarios.
Silver plans cover about 70% of costs. They offer moderate premiums and moderate out-of-pocket costs. Silver is the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) if your income qualifies — making it the best value for many people.
Gold plans cover about 80% of costs. You pay higher premiums but benefit from lower deductibles and copays. A good choice if you use healthcare regularly — frequent doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, or planned procedures.
Platinum plans cover about 90% of costs. They have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Ideal for people who need frequent medical attention or want maximum predictability in their healthcare spending.
The ACA provides two types of financial assistance to help make health insurance affordable. Buffer helps you estimate your eligibility and maximize your savings at enrollment.
Monthly credits that reduce your health insurance premium. Based on household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL). Under enhanced subsidies, anyone whose benchmark plan costs more than 8.5% of income can qualify — regardless of income level.
Available only on Silver plans for households with income between 100% and 250% of FPL. CSRs lower your deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums — making a Silver plan function like a Gold or Platinum plan at a Silver price.
We estimate your subsidy based on projected income, compare net premiums across all available plans, identify whether a Silver CSR plan is your best value, and help you apply your credits correctly at enrollment. You pay the same price as going direct — but with expert guidance.
Subsidy eligibility is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) relative to the Federal Poverty Level for your household size. Here are general guidelines:
You can only enroll in an ACA plan during specific windows. Missing these periods means you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
The annual window when anyone can enroll in or change an ACA Marketplace plan. Coverage purchased during Open Enrollment typically begins January 1 (or February 1 for later sign-ups).
November 1 – January 15Triggered by a qualifying life event. You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of Open Enrollment.
60 days from qualifying eventEvents that trigger a Special Enrollment Period include: losing job-based or other health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a baby, moving to a new state, and losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility.
Varies by event typeYou can enroll in an ACA plan directly through HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace. But working with an independent broker like Buffer gives you expert guidance at no extra cost — and access to the same plans and prices.
The plans and premiums available through Buffer are identical to what you see on HealthCare.gov or your state exchange. Brokers cannot charge more — it is the same price whether you go direct or work with us.
Choosing the cheapest premium is not always the smartest move. Buffer evaluates your doctors, medications, expected healthcare usage, and income to recommend the plan tier and carrier that minimizes your total cost — premiums plus out-of-pocket.
Buffer does not disappear after enrollment. Need to update your income estimate? Have a claims question? Experiencing a qualifying life event mid-year? We are available year-round, not just during Open Enrollment.
Buffer is not captive to any single insurance carrier. We are licensed in 41 states and work with all major carriers on the Marketplace. Our recommendation is based on your needs — not on which carrier pays the highest commission.
Straightforward answers to the questions we hear most about Marketplace plans, subsidies, and enrollment.
Let Buffer compare plans, estimate your subsidies, and walk you through enrollment — all at no cost to you.
Schedule a Call with Taylor →ACA health insurance is one part of a complete coverage plan. Explore these related solutions for comprehensive protection.