Individual & Family
Health Plans

Key features of IFP health plans

• Source of coverage: IFP plans can be bought either directly from a health insurance company or through a state or federal Health Insurance Marketplace, such as Coveredca.com

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) protection: Following the ACA, IFP plans must offer certain protections. Insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.

• Financial assistance: Depending on your income, you may be eligible for financial assistance, like premium tax credits, to help lower the cost of an IFP plan purchased through a Health Insurance Marketplace (Through Covered California)

• Portability: These plans are tied to you, not your job. This means you can keep your coverage even if you change jobs or retire.

• Plan types: Like employer-sponsored plans, IFP plans come in different types, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.

• Family coverage: You can purchase an IFP to cover just yourself or to include your family members, such as a spouse and dependent children. 

IFP plans versus employer-sponsored plans

Feature: IFP (Individual and Family Plan)Employer-Sponsored Plan

Purchaser:The individual or family purchases the plan directly.The employer selects and offers the plan to a group of employees.

Cost:You are responsible for the entire premium, though financial subsidies are available based on income for Marketplace plans.The employer typically shares the cost of the premiums with the employee, which can result in lower costs for the worker.

Customization:You have more flexibility to choose from various plans to find one that best fits your specific healthcare needs and budget.Your choices are limited to the specific plans and options selected by your employer.

Stability:The coverage follows you even if you change or lose your job.Coverage is tied to your employment, though options like COBRA may be available after leaving a job.