 [ Symptoms ] my health insurance policy is being canceled effective 12312013 must i buy insurance from the exchange  or can i buy insurance through individual insurance companies i e aetna or blue cross blue shield are all exchange policies hmos [ Disease ] all exchange plans are not hmos there are various plan types being sold though the offerings vary by state and region you can buy a plan directly through an insurer although if you do you may not be able to take advantage of subsidies the federal government is testing the option for people eligible for subsidies to sign up directly with insurers but my understanding is that right now that is only an option for people living in texas florida and ohio keep in mind that when you go directly to one insurer you also miss out on the ability to compare all the plans available to you by shopping the marketplace it is a good idea to look online at all your options first and then maybe go to the insurer you have found to offer the best option but again make sure that if you qualify for a subsidy you will be able to get it if you enroll this way