FFM vs. SBM vs. SBM-FP

When you shop for an ACA plan, where you go depends on your state. Some states send you to the federal site, HealthCare.gov. Others run their own marketplace with its own website. A few sit in between. Knowing which one your state uses saves time — and helps you avoid look-alike sites that aren't the real marketplace.

Quick answer: In 2026, 20 states use the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov), 13 run a fully state-based marketplace with their own website, and 3 run a state-based exchange on the federal platform — a state brand where you still enroll through HealthCare.gov.

What the three types mean

• FFM (Federally Facilitated Marketplace): the state relies on HealthCare.gov for enrollment. You apply, compare plans, and manage coverage there.
• SBM (State-Based Marketplace): the state runs its own exchange and website. You enroll on the state site, not HealthCare.gov, and the state often sets its own enrollment window.
• SBM-FP (State-Based Marketplace on the Federal Platform): a hybrid. The state operates its own marketplace but "rents" the HealthCare.gov technology, so you still enroll at HealthCare.gov.

Which type is your state? (2026)

Federal marketplace — enroll at HealthCare.gov (20 states): Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming.

State-based marketplace — enroll on the state site (13 states):

State-based on the federal platform — enroll at HealthCare.gov (3 states): Arkansas (Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace), Oklahoma (state-based exchange), and Oregon (Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace).

Recent and upcoming transitions

The map keeps shifting toward state-run marketplaces:

• Georgia moved to a full state-based marketplace, Georgia Access, for plan year 2025.
• Illinois transitioned off HealthCare.gov to a full state-based marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, for plan year 2026.
• Oklahoma became a state-based exchange on the federal platform on May 1, 2026; enrollment stays on HealthCare.gov through plan years 2026–2027, with a full state platform targeted for 2028.
• Oregon is set to launch its own platform on November 1, 2026, for plan year 2027.

Why it matters for you

• Go to the right site. In a state-based-marketplace state, HealthCare.gov won't be able to enroll you — you need the state site. In FFM and SBM-FP states, HealthCare.gov is the place.
• Watch the calendar. State-based marketplaces sometimes offer a longer open-enrollment window than the federal one. Deadlines vary, so confirm your state's dates.
• Beware look-alikes. Only the official marketplace (or a licensed agent) can enroll you in a subsidized ACA plan. If a site is vague about which state marketplace it represents, be cautious.

Key takeaways

• 20 states use HealthCare.gov; 13 run their own marketplace; 3 use a state brand on the federal platform.
• More states are moving to run their own marketplaces (Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Oregon are recent or upcoming).
• Enrolling in the wrong place — or on a look-alike site — can cost you time and subsidies.

Not sure where to start?

As an independent, carrier-neutral brokerage, we can point you to the right marketplace for your state and help you compare plans and subsidies — free, with no obligation. For your state's specifics, see our state ACA marketplace guides.