ACA Marketplace Subsidies (Premium Tax Credits)

What are ACA subsidies?

There are two kinds of savings. The Premium Tax Credit (PTC) reduces your monthly premium and can be applied in advance directly to your insurer. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) lower the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance you pay when you use care; you generally must choose a Silver-level plan to get them, but members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) shareholders may qualify for additional cost-sharing reductions.

Who qualifies for premium tax credits?

Eligibility is based on your estimated household income and family size, whether you have access to other affordable coverage (like a job-based plan or Medicaid), and your tax filing status. The upper income cap applies again: the temporary rule that removed it covered only tax years 2021 through 2025. Now your household income generally must be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level to qualify. The credit is generally the premium for the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area minus a set percentage of your household income. You must file a federal tax return with Form 8962 and cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else. Starting January 1, 2027, lawfully present immigrants can get these savings only if they are lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban or Haitian entrants, or Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants; other immigration statuses may still be able to buy a Marketplace plan, but without savings.

How much can you save?

The amount depends on your income, where you live, and the cost of plans in your area. Lower-income households receive larger credits. HealthCare.gov will post 2027 income levels and savings on November 1; until then, its estimates use 2026 amounts. Cost-sharing reductions are generally available to households with incomes from 100% to 250% of the federal poverty level who pick a Silver plan, and the lower your income within that range, the more you save. Members of federally recognized tribes and ANCSA shareholders may qualify for additional savings: with a Marketplace plan and income from 100% to 300% of the federal poverty level, they can enroll in a "zero cost sharing" plan with no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, and they have no out-of-pocket costs for services from an Indian health care provider, regardless of income. If the advance payments you use turn out larger than the credit you qualify for, you must repay the full difference: for tax years after 2025 there is no repayment cap.

How to enroll

For 2027 coverage, HealthCare.gov lists Open Enrollment from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027: enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, or by January 15 for coverage that starts February 1. If your state runs its own Marketplace, check its dates there; for example, Oregon residents will use ExploreHealthOR.gov for 2027 coverage. Outside Open Enrollment, you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby. Apply and compare plans at the official site: HealthCare.gov.