Quick answer
Start with official sources: HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace for individual plans, Medicare.gov for Medicare, and your state Medicaid agency. For your own coverage, the best source is your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage and plan documents. For one-on-one help, free marketplace assisters, licensed agents and brokers, Medicare counselors (SHIP) and your state insurance department can answer questions about your situation.
Key takeaways
- Government sites have the official rules, deadlines and plan lists.
- Your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage explains what your plan covers in a standard format.
- Trained assisters give free help picking a marketplace plan.
- Licensed agents and brokers don’t charge you, but ask which insurers they work with.
- Be wary of anyone who pressures you or sells “discount plans” as insurance.
On this page
Official sources
| Source | Best for |
|---|---|
| HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace | Plans, prices, tax credits and enrollment deadlines |
| Medicare.gov | Medicare enrollment, costs and plan comparisons |
| Your state Medicaid agency | Medicaid and CHIP eligibility and applications |
| Your state insurance department | Consumer help, complaints and checking an agent’s license |
| IRS.gov | Premium tax credits, HSAs and health-related tax rules |
Your own plan’s documents
If you already have coverage, the most accurate information about your benefits is in your plan’s paperwork:
- Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC): a standard summary of costs and coverage that every plan must provide.
- Plan documents: the full list of what’s covered and excluded.
- Drug list and provider directory: which prescriptions and doctors are covered.
- Explanation of benefits: what your plan paid after each visit. See what an explanation of benefits is.
People who can help for free
- Marketplace assisters and navigators help you apply and compare plans, at no cost. HealthCare.gov’s Find Local Help tool lists them.
- Licensed agents and brokers can compare plans and enroll you. Insurers pay them, so you don’t. Ask which insurers they represent, and make sure they show you marketplace plans if you qualify for a tax credit.
- SHIP counselors give free, unbiased Medicare advice in every state.
- Your employer’s HR or benefits office can explain job-based plans.
- Your state insurance department can help if you have a problem with an insurer.
Independent explainers
Nonprofit research groups like KFF publish data and explainers on costs, coverage and policy changes. Our guides cover the basics in plain language, including what Obamacare is, how to pick your health insurance, comparing plans, government health insurance and who is eligible for Medicare.
Watch out for bad information
- Don’t trust anyone who pressures you to sign up on the spot.
- Ask whether a plan is ACA-compliant. Short-term plans and medical discount plans are sometimes sold as if they were full insurance.
- Friends and family can share experiences, but their plans and rules may differ from yours.
- Check that a website or agent isn’t asking for payment to “qualify” you for government programs. Applying for Medicaid and marketplace coverage is free.
Ready to see real plans and prices? Compare quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to use an agent or HealthCare.gov?
Either works. HealthCare.gov shows every marketplace plan in your area. A good agent can do the same comparison with you and help with questions, at no extra cost.
Where can I get free help with Medicare?
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE.
How do I check if an insurance agent is licensed?
Your state insurance department can confirm an agent’s license. The NAIC website links to every state’s department.
Sources
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Last reviewed September 2026.