Buying Health Insurance For Dummies Instant : Use the HealthCare.gov Marketplace to find ACA-compliant plans and see if you qualify for subsidies. : Your share of the costs for a service, usually calculated as a percentage (e.g., you pay 20%, they pay 80%). buying health insurance for dummies : Moderate premiums and moderate costs. These often qualify for extra savings (subsidies) if you have a lower income. : Use the HealthCare Buying health insurance can feel like learning a second language. At its core, it is a contract where you pay a monthly fee (premium) so that an insurance company helps pay for your medical bills. 1. Key Terms to Know usually calculated as a percentage (e.g. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), plans are often categorized by "metal" levels, which tell you how you and the plan share costs: