Can I get ACA subsidies if I work part-time in North Salt Lake?

Yes, if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and you don't have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums on HealthCare.gov. For 2026, 100% FPL for an individual is $15,060.

What are my options if my income is very low as a part-time worker in Utah?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. If your income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as a part-time worker, you may qualify for Utah Medicaid, which provides comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. For 2026, 138% FPL for an individual is $20,783.

Are PPO plans available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in North Salt Lake?

No, PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah. As a North Salt Lake resident shopping on HealthCare.gov, your marketplace options will be limited to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. These plans typically require you to stay within a network of doctors and hospitals.

Updated July 2026 · UtahPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Part-Time Health Insurance Options in North Salt Lake, Utah

Part-time workers in North Salt Lake earning between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for significant premium subsidies on HealthCare.gov.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, making adults with income up to 138% FPL eligible for comprehensive, low-cost coverage.
In 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers North Salt Lake, with options for HMO and EPO plans.
The average uninsured rate in North Salt Lake is 8.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance as a part-time worker in North Salt Lake, Utah, can seem challenging, especially if you don't receive benefits through your employer. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, HealthCare.gov, offers robust options for individuals and families, often with financial assistance to make coverage affordable. For residents of North Salt Lake, understanding your eligibility for premium tax credits and Utah Medicaid is key to securing comprehensive health coverage that fits your budget. This guide will walk you through the available plans, how to apply for assistance, and what to expect when choosing a plan in your specific rating area.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Part-Time Workers in North Salt Lake?

Part-time workers in North Salt Lake have several avenues for obtaining health insurance, primarily through the HealthCare.gov marketplace. The most common options include:

ACA Marketplace Plans: These plans are offered by private insurance companies but are sold through HealthCare.gov. They are guaranteed issue, meaning you cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Many part-time workers qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, significantly lowering out-of-pocket expenses.
Utah Medicaid: Since Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible. This can be a vital option for part-time workers with lower incomes, providing comprehensive coverage with little to no cost.
Employer-Sponsored Plans: If your part-time employer offers health benefits, even if you contribute to the cost, it's usually the most affordable option. However, many part-time positions do not come with health benefits.
Short-Term Health Insurance: These plans offer temporary coverage and are not regulated by the ACA. They typically do not cover pre-existing conditions and may have benefit limits. While cheaper, they are generally not recommended as a long-term solution.

The best option for most part-time workers will be an ACA marketplace plan, especially with the availability of financial subsidies.

Understanding ACA Subsidies and Utah Medicaid for Part-Time Income

The primary goal of the ACA marketplace is to make health insurance affordable. For part-time workers in North Salt Lake, two main forms of financial assistance are available:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): These credits reduce your monthly premium. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, individuals with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL typically qualify. The lower your income, the larger your subsidy. For a single individual, 100% FPL is $15,060, and 400% FPL is $60,240.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These are additional discounts that lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. CSRs are only available if you choose a Silver-tier plan and your income is between 100% and 250% FPL. They make Silver plans particularly valuable for those who qualify, as they provide better benefits for a similar premium to Bronze plans.
Utah Medicaid: Utah expanded its Medicaid program in 2020, through Proposition 3. This means that if your income is at or below 138% FPL (e.g., $20,783 for an individual in 2026), you may qualify for Utah Medicaid. This program offers comprehensive health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services, with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. Pregnant women can qualify with incomes up to 144% FPL, and children through CHIP up to 200% FPL.

It is crucial to accurately report your estimated annual income when applying on HealthCare.gov to ensure you receive the correct amount of financial assistance.

Health Insurance Plan Types in North Salt Lake

When shopping for health insurance on HealthCare.gov in North Salt Lake, you will primarily encounter two types of plans:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network, who then refers you to specialists. HMOs generally have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but offer less flexibility in choosing doctors outside the network.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: EPO plans offer a network of providers, and you typically do not need a referral to see a specialist. However, they generally will not cover care received outside their network, except in emergencies.

It is important to note that PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah. Your marketplace choice for North Salt Lake shoppers is between HMO and EPO network structures. Before enrolling, always check if your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are included in the plan's network. In Davis County, you will find major health systems like Lakeview Hospital and Intermountain Health Layton Hospital.

Health Insurance Carriers in North Salt Lake

For 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. North Salt Lake residents have options from these confirmed local carriers:

BridgeSpan Health Company
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Select Health
University of Utah Health Plans

When reviewing plans, consider not only the premium but also the deductible, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Each carrier offers various plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold), allowing you to select a plan that balances cost and coverage based on your anticipated healthcare needs.

How to Choose the Right Plan as a Part-Time Worker

Choosing the right health insurance plan depends on your income, health needs, and financial situation. Here’s a decision-making guide for part-time workers in North Salt Lake:

If your income is below 138% FPL (e.g., less than $20,783 for an individual): You likely qualify for Utah Medicaid. This is typically the most comprehensive and affordable option. Apply directly through Utah's Medicaid portal (medicaid.utah.gov).
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL (e.g., $15,060 - $37,650 for an individual): You will likely qualify for significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. A Silver plan is often the best value, as CSRs make it more robust than its metal tier suggests.
If your income is between 250% and 400% FPL (e.g., $37,650 - $60,240 for an individual): You will still qualify for premium tax credits. Consider a Bronze plan for lower premiums if you anticipate minimal healthcare use, or a Gold plan if you prefer lower out-of-pocket costs when you do need care.
If your income is above 400% FPL (e.g., above $60,240 for an individual): You will not qualify for premium tax credits or CSRs. You can still purchase a plan through HealthCare.gov at full price, or explore off-marketplace options directly from carriers.

For personalized guidance, a licensed health insurance producer can help you compare plans, verify doctor networks, and estimate your out-of-pocket costs, all at no additional charge.

Local Healthcare Context in North Salt Lake, Utah

North Salt Lake, with a population of 23,474 and a median age of 32.7 years, is situated in Davis County. Per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, the city's uninsured rate is 8.9%, slightly higher than the Davis County average of 5.7%. The median household income in North Salt Lake is $101,447. Residents of North Salt Lake and the broader Davis County have access to several acute care hospitals within the county, including Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful and Intermountain Health Layton Hospital in Layton. Holy Cross Hospital-davis, also in Layton, is another significant facility serving the area. This local availability of healthcare services means that choosing a plan with a strong network in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties, is crucial for part-time workers in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an HMO and an EPO plan in Utah?

In Utah's marketplace, both HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans require you to use an in-network provider for covered services. HMOs typically require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals to specialists, while EPOs generally do not require referrals but also do not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah.

Can I enroll in a marketplace plan if I only work a few hours a week?

Yes, your employment status (full-time or part-time) does not directly affect your eligibility for marketplace plans or subsidies. Eligibility is primarily based on your household income and whether you have access to affordable, employer-sponsored health coverage. If your part-time employer does not offer affordable insurance, you can apply for a plan and subsidies through HealthCare.gov.

What if I lose my part-time job? Will my health insurance change?

Losing your job, even a part-time one, is considered a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). This triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing you to enroll in a new marketplace plan or adjust your existing plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period. You may also become eligible for greater subsidies or Utah Medicaid if your income significantly decreases. You typically have 60 days from the date of the QLE to enroll.

Where can I apply for Utah Medicaid?

You can apply for Utah Medicaid through the state's official Medicaid portal at medicaid.utah.gov. You can also apply through HealthCare.gov, which will screen your application and forward it to the state Medicaid agency if you appear eligible based on your income and household information.