The New York Times reports today that some 7 million Americans will be able to receive free or almost-free non-Medicaid health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Health plans will be available for zero or next-to-zero cost after federal subsidies for those who fall just above the income threhold for Medicaid enrollment, the Times says in its front-page article.

The analysis behind the article was done by consulting firm McKinsey and Company. McKinsey said up to 6 million uninsured would qualify, along with another million currently holding individual, private insurance policies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had no immediate comment on the analysis.

The zero or low-cost policies, however, will generally be Bronze plans that cover just 60 percent of out-of-pocket expenses. All plans, including Bronze, do include standard benefits like prescription drugs, maternity care and mental health treatment, but beyond that patients would be required to pay 40 percent of all costs.

Ninety percent of those who will have the option of buying the no-cost plans make less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $28,725 for an individual, and $58,875 for a family of four, the Times article calculates. People earning below those thresholds are eligible for the most generous assistance, but only if they choose a Silver plan (70 percent coverage), which might spike their monthly premiums.