• Short-term insurance: One of the most obvious alternatives is short-term insurance. These plans are sold outside of the ACA marketplace, and they are mostly intended to fill gaps in coverage before you move on to a long-term coverage solution. However, short-term insurance is definitely not the most affordable option, as it generally involves higher costs compared to virtually any other Affordable Care Act plan. Some might have no choice but to select this option, such as those who have been fired or those who are waiting for Medicare eligibility. 
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• Health sharing plans: Health sharing plans are growing in popularity because of their affordability and simplicity. While health sharing or crowdfunding health care systems are not the same as health insurance, they can help average Americans pay their medical bills in a reliable manner. One of the major benefits of a health sharing plan is that there are no open enrollment periods – meaning you can sign up whenever you want. This makes health sharing plans popular among those who need gap coverage and those who are searching for long-term solutions. In addition, these plans often require no deductibles and low monthly fees compared to traditional health coverage. 
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• Medicare: Many people are under the impression that ACA plans and Medicare fall under the same category, but they are actually two different types of health coverage. Medicare is specifically geared towards seniors and retirees, and it is provided by the federal government instead of the federally regulated ACA marketplace. While the ACA laws regulate this marketplace, the actual plans are offered by private insurance companies. The cost of Medicare can be much lower than these private plans offered through the ACA marketplace. 
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• Medicaid: Medicaid is perhaps one of the most affordable options for health coverage, as this government-sponsored program is geared toward the most financially insecure Americans. If you qualify for Medicaid, there’s really no reason not to consider it. However, very few people qualify – and even those who are struggling with low incomes might earn just enough to become ineligible. 
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• Private health insurance: When you hear “private health insurance” being discussed in the United States, people are generally referring to plans offered outside of the ACA marketplace. While both ACA plans and non-ACA plans are technically “private,” non-ACA-compliant plans are what most people think of when they hear “private health insurance.” These insurance plans do not comply with ACA standards, and they may be cheaper as a result. These health plans can also choose not to accept those with pre-existing health conditions, thereby lowering costs for other members. Short-term health insurance is one example of a non-ACA plan that is offered outside of the federally regulated marketplace. If you choose one of these plans, you may save money but lose access to tax credits or other incentives offered by the government. 
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• COBRA: COBRA is another government program that guarantees workers continued coverage if they lose access to their employer’s group health plan for whatever reason. These employees might have been fired, or they may have had their hours reduced to the point where they no longer qualify for health benefits through their employers. Some become eligible for COBRA after quitting or retiring. COBRA is another example of temporary health insurance, and it may be more expensive than other alternatives. However, it allows workers to keep the exact same benefits as they previously enjoyed under their employer’s health insurance plan.

Affordability might not be as easy to assess as you think when it comes to health insurance. Most people simply consider the monthly premiums, but you also need to think about what might happen if you incur expensive unexpected medical costs. 

Think about your deductibles, and factor in your annual expected costs. You might also want to think about how much care you actually need on a monthly basis. Consider your age, your general health, and any family history of disorders or diseases.

It might be helpful to ask an expert to help you choose the best option – such as an insurance broker.