Medicaid vs. Marketplace Insurance: Which Is Right for You?

Medicaid provides free or very low-cost coverage with no premiums (in most states) and minimal copays.

Marketplace insurance has monthly premiums (reduced by subsidies if your income is 100–400% FPL) and deductibles.

If your income is below 138% FPL and you live in an expansion state, Medicaid is almost always the better choice — it's more comprehensive and costs less. If you're between 100–138% FPL in a non-expansion state, you may qualify for marketplace subsidies but not Medicaid. Use healthcare.gov to compare options..