Get an estimate of your ACA health insurance premium and see if you qualify for subsidies.
Updated for 2026 · Estimates based on current marketplace data
Your numbers
Your age as of December 31, 2026
Gross income (used to calculate subsidies)
Number of people on the plan
Estimated monthly premium
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Base Premium Estimate—
Age Adjustment—
Tobacco Surcharge—
Metal Level Adjustment—
Estimated ACA Subsidy—
Net Monthly Premium (After Subsidy)—
Annual Premium Cost—
These are estimates based on 2024 benchmark rates. Actual premiums vary by insurer and plan. Get official quotes from healthcare.gov. This is not a substitute for professional insurance advice.
How ACA Premiums Are Calculated
ACA premiums start with a benchmark rate for your state and age. The law allows insurers to charge up to 3 times more for older adults than younger ones. Metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) represent different cost-sharing arrangements. A Bronze plan has lower premiums but higher deductibles; Platinum is the opposite. Most people buy Silver plans for the balance.
Metal Tiers Explained
Each metal tier represents what percentage of your health costs the insurer covers. Bronze covers 60% (you pay 40%), Silver 70%, Gold 80%, Platinum 90%. This affects premiums and out-of-pocket costs. If you're healthy and don't expect much care, Bronze is affordable. If you have chronic conditions, Gold or Platinum may save money overall despite higher premiums.
ACA Subsidies and Eligibility
If your income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a premium subsidy (tax credit). The subsidy caps your expected premium contribution based on your income percentage. For 2026, a single person earning under roughly $59,000 may qualify (the threshold depends on household size and year). The subsidy reduces your monthly premium payment; you claim any remaining credit at tax time.
Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods
The ACA marketplace (healthcare.gov) is open for enrollment November 1 through January 15 annually. Outside this window, you need a qualifying event: birth, marriage, divorce, loss of coverage, or income change. Married couples, check if filing status changes affect your subsidy eligibility. Changes in household size (births, adoptions) also create special enrollment periods.
FAQ
How accurate are these premium estimates?
These are estimates based on 2024 marketplace data. Actual premiums vary by insurer, plan, and state rules. Use this for planning purposes; get official quotes from healthcare.gov for exact numbers.
What is the ACA subsidy?
A premium subsidy (tax credit) reduces your monthly insurance bill if your income qualifies. The subsidy is based on your income as a percentage of the federal poverty level and caps your expected contribution.
What are the metal tiers?
Bronze (60% coverage, 40% your cost), Silver (70/30), Gold (80/20), and Platinum (90/10). Bronze has lower premiums but higher deductibles. Platinum is expensive upfront but better for frequent medical care.
How does age affect premiums?
The ACA allows premiums to scale based on age using a 3:1 ratio. A 64-year-old can be charged up to 3 times what a 21-year-old pays for the same plan. This calculator reflects that.
Can I buy insurance off the marketplace?
Yes. ACA marketplaces are open for enrollment November 1 – January 15. Outside that window, you need a qualifying life event. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and enroll.