“Off the exchange” refers to buying coverage through the private market without a premium subsidy. If you are buying “off the exchange,” your income is over the 400% Federal Poverty Level or you have access to affordable group coverage through an employer or through a spouse’s employer. You will not qualify for a subsidy.
The term “on the exchange” refers to buying coverage that will be subsidized through premiums credits and/or cost sharing reductions. If you are buying “on the exchange,” you are in the 100-400% of the Federal Poverty Limit and have do not have access to group coverage through an employer or a spouse’s employer.