Can I skip the employer plan and buy on my own?

You can, but if the employer plan is considered affordable by IRS rules, you may lose Marketplace subsidy eligibility. Always model both before opting out.

What if my employer only covers me, not my family?

Family members may qualify for a Marketplace plan with a subsidy — one of the more common situations we help families sort out.

Interactive Comparison

Employer Coverage vs Individual Coverage

Employer coverage is typically the easiest and cheapest — until the employer contribution is small, the network is limited, or the plan doesn't fit your family. Individual coverage puts you in full control.

Feature	Employer Group Plan	Individual / Marketplace Plan
Who pays the premium	Employer + employee share	You (subsidy may apply)
Choice of plans	Limited to what employer offers	Full menu of ACA + private PPO
Portability if you leave the job	COBRA (expensive)	Portable by design
Tax treatment	Premium paid pre-tax	Self-employed can deduct; W-2 gets premium tax credit
Best for	Employees with strong employer subsidy	Self-employed, 1099, families where employer plan is weak