I'm 65+ but don't qualify for premium-free Part A. Can I still get ACA Marketplace coverage?

Yes. If you are not entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A (typically because you don't have 40 quarters / 10 years of U.S. work credits), you can enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan and — depending on income — may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions just like anyone under 65.

Who is this page for?

Only individuals age 65 or older who do NOT qualify for premium-free Part A. If you worked long enough in the U.S. to earn premium-free Part A, you should enroll in Medicare — this page does not apply to you.

Will I get a subsidy?

If your household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for advance premium tax credits that can reduce monthly premiums substantially. The exact amount depends on your income and household size — we can calculate your subsidy for free.

What if I later become eligible for premium-free Part A?

You must enroll in Medicare and end your Marketplace subsidy. Keeping subsidized Marketplace coverage after becoming Medicare-eligible can create tax repayment issues. We'll walk you through the transition.

Can I buy Part A instead?

Yes, Medicare lets you pay a monthly premium for Part A (per CMS, $518/month in 2025 with fewer than 30 quarters of work history, or $285 with 30–39 quarters), plus Part B. For many people this is far more expensive than a subsidized Marketplace plan. We compare both.

Over 65 and Don't Qualify for Premium-Free Part A?

You may still be eligible for ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) coverage — and depending on your income, subsidies could reduce what you pay each month significantly.

Quick answerIf you're 65 or older but haven't worked long enough in the U.S. to earn premium-free Medicare Part A (generally 40 quarters / 10 years), you can still enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan and qualify for premium tax credits based on income. Households at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level often pay much lower premiums. This does NOT apply if you already qualify for premium-free Part A — you must enroll in Medicare instead.

*Some ACA plans in some areas have a small one-time enrollment fee due to little or no broker compensation. Agency enrollment fees never apply to Medicare products.

If you're over 65 and don't qualify for premium-free Part A — book a call. We need to talk.

You are likely eligible to purchase or continue ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) coverage, and depending on your income you may qualify for a substantially reduced premium.

Book a Call

Or call now800-214-8976

This page applies to you if…

You are age 65 or older.
You have NOT worked long enough in the U.S. to have earned 40 Social Security work credits (roughly 10 years).
You do NOT qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A on your own record or a spouse's record.

This page does NOT apply if…

You have worked long enough in the United States to qualify for premium-free Part A. In that case you should enroll in regular Medicare like everyone else — see our Medicare enrollment guide.

Related Medicare sections

If you later qualify for Medicare, or you're helping a family member who does, these guides explain the main paths.

How ACA Subsidies Work at 65+

If you are not entitled to premium-free Part A, the ACA treats you just like anyone else applying for Marketplace coverage. Your premium tax credit is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):

• Under 150% FPL: The largest premium tax credits plus enhanced cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans.
• 150% – 400% FPL: Sliding-scale premium tax credit — many households pay a small fraction of their income.
• Over 400% FPL: Subsidy availability depends on current federal rules; unsubsidized plans are still available.

Official Federal References

The rules below come directly from HealthCare.gov, CMS, and the Social Security Administration. External links open in a new tab.

HealthCare.gov — If you're eligible for Medicare
Explains that people who must pay a premium for Part A can choose Marketplace coverage instead and may qualify for tax credits.
HealthCare.gov — Medicare & the Marketplace
Details on when you can and cannot have both, and how subsidies interact with Medicare eligibility.
Medicare.gov — Part A & Part B costs
Current premium amounts for people who must buy Part A.
SSA — How you earn credits
How the 40-quarter (10-year) work requirement is calculated.

Frequently asked questions

Over 65 without premium-free Part A? Let's talk — you may qualify for subsidized, lower-premium coverage.

Book a Call

Or call now800-214-8976

Finished here?

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