TN Visa and Affordable Care Act: How to Get Health Insurance in the U.S.
Every year, thousands of Mexican and Canadian professionals come to the United States under the TN Visa to work legally in their fields. However, one of the most common—and confusing—topics they face is health insurance and how it relates to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Am I required to have health insurance with a TN Visa?
Can I apply through the ACA Marketplace?
What happens if I choose not to get coverage?
These are frequent and completely valid questions. When not answered correctly, they can lead to financial risk, legal complications, or inadequate medical coverage.
In this evergreen and educational guide, we clearly explain how the TN Visa and the Affordable Care Act are connected, what health insurance options are available, and how to make informed and secure decisions.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN Visa is a nonimmigrant visa category created under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA. Its purpose is to allow qualified Mexican and Canadian citizens to work temporarily in the United States in specific professional occupations.
Key characteristics of the TN Visa:
Nonimmigrant status
Requires a job offer from a U.S. employer
Limited to professions listed in the official treaty
Granted for renewable periods
Does not provide permanent residency
While the TN Visa allows you to work legally in the U.S., it does not exempt you from complying with U.S. tax, labor, or healthcare laws.
What Is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
The Affordable Care Act is a U.S. federal law designed to expand access to health insurance, establish minimum coverage standards, and protect consumers from unfair insurance practices.
Its main goals include:
Expanding access to health insurance for lawfully present individuals
Prohibiting denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions
Defining essential health benefits
Regulating the Health Insurance Marketplace
The ACA applies to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens who hold a lawful immigration status.
Can TN Visa Holders Access the Affordable Care Act?
Yes. TN Visa holders are considered “lawfully present” in the United States. This means they are eligible to purchase health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, provided they meet the other requirements.
What TN Visa holders can do:
Purchase health insurance through the ACA Marketplace
Obtain comprehensive coverage that includes essential health benefits
Be protected against high medical costs
What may not always apply:
Automatic access to subsidies, which depends on income, state of residence, and tax status
Eligibility for programs like Medicaid, which is generally not available to TN Visa holders
Is Health Insurance Mandatory with a TN Visa?
Although the federal penalty for not having health insurance has been eliminated, going without coverage still carries significant risk.
Risks of not having health insurance:
Extremely high medical bills in case of emergencies
Medical debt that can affect financial stability
Potential noncompliance with employer requirements
Indirect legal or tax-related risks
In practice, having adequate health insurance is not just recommended—it is a financially responsible decision.
Health Insurance Options for TN Visa Holders
1. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Some U.S. employers offer group health insurance plans. These plans usually comply with ACA standards and can be a solid option depending on cost and coverage.
2. Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plans
The ACA Marketplace allows individuals to compare private insurance plans that meet federal requirements. Plans are categorized into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers based on cost-sharing and coverage levels.
3. Private Insurance Outside the ACA
Short-term or international health insurance plans may be available, but many do not meet ACA standards and often exclude pre-existing conditions or essential benefits.
Common Mistakes TN Visa Holders Should Avoid
Assuming they do not qualify for ACA coverage because they are not permanent residents
Purchasing international insurance without fully understanding exclusions
Incorrectly reporting income when applying through the Marketplace
Choosing plans based solely on price rather than coverage
A poor decision in this area can result in serious financial consequences.
Important Tax Considerations
TN Visa holders are generally subject to U.S. taxation. How income is reported can impact eligibility for certain health plans or subsidies.
Coordinating health insurance decisions with a proper tax strategy and professional guidance is essential.
How to Choose the Right ACA Plan
Before selecting a plan, consider the following:
The state where you live (options vary by state)
Your income level
Current and future healthcare needs
Provider networks and hospital access
Deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs
A personalized analysis can make the difference between coverage that truly protects you and coverage that only meets minimum requirements on paper.
Understanding how the Affordable Care Act works when you have a TN Visa can be complex—especially if you are new to the U.S. healthcare system or if your employment and tax situation has changed.
At SF Solutions, we help TN Visa professionals evaluate their health insurance options, understand how they align with immigration status, and make informed, clear, and secure decisions without unnecessary risk.
If you would like personalized guidance or have specific questions about your situation, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Our approach is human, ethical, and focused on protecting your peace of mind and your future in the United States.
