Question: I am a single mom with 2 children. I make about $20,000. We don’t have insurance now. We don’t qualify for Medicaid because I have some savings. Can we get health insurance through the exchange if we do not qualify for medicaid due to assets?

Answer: Starting in 2014, Medicaid will no longer consider assets, only income. So based on your income you will be eligible for free public health insurance from Medicaid. If you choose to opt out of Medicaid in favor of Exchange coverage, you cannot also be eligible for subsidized coverage. You would have to pay the full premium and I don’t think that will be practical for you.