See what your health plan really costs.
Enter your income, household size and the benchmark silver premium in your area to estimate your Premium Tax Credit, the subsidy that caps what you pay for coverage as a share of income.
Your household
You, your spouse and everyone you claim as a dependent.
The second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area, before any subsidy. Check healthcare.gov for your exact number.
What your estimate means
Where your benchmark premium goes
Monthly benchmark premium split
How your net premium changes with income
Your estimate at a glance
Subsidy at different income levels
Same household size and benchmark premium, income varied. The row nearest your entry is highlighted.
| Household income | % of FPL | You pay /mo | Subsidy /mo | Net premium /mo |
|---|
ACA subsidies, explained
How ACA Subsidies Work
Government caps your premium contribution at a percentage of income (0-8.5%). Anything above that cap is paid via Premium Tax Credit. Lower income = bigger subsidy.
2025 Subsidy Cliff Removed
Inflation Reduction Act (through 2025) caps premiums at 8.5% of income regardless of how high. Pre-IRA, anyone over 400% FPL got zero subsidy. After IRA, subsidies extend to higher incomes.
Benchmark Silver Plan
Subsidies tied to the 2nd-lowest cost silver plan in your area. You can pick any plan; subsidy stays based on benchmark. Cheaper plans → smaller premiums paid. More expensive → larger premium paid.
Income Estimation Pitfalls
Report estimated annual income. Actual income reconciled at tax time. Underestimate → owe IRS at tax time. Overestimate → extra refund. Update mid-year if income changes substantially.
Common questions
Do I have to pay back subsidies?
If actual income exceeds estimated by enough to push you to lower subsidy tier, yes. Reconciled on tax return. Caps on repayment based on income.
What's modified AGI for ACA?
AGI + non-taxable Social Security + tax-exempt interest + foreign income exclusion. Slightly different from MAGI for other purposes.
Do I have to enroll through healthcare.gov?
To get advance subsidies, yes. Or you can buy a plan off-marketplace and claim credit retroactively at tax time (PTC).
What if I have employer coverage offer?
Generally disqualifies from subsidies UNLESS the employer plan is unaffordable (>9.02% of income) or has poor coverage.
Does HSA contribution lower MAGI for ACA?
Yes, HSA contributions are above-the-line deduction. Can be a lever to qualify for or increase subsidies.
Estimates for planning only. This uses the 2024 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the premium contribution rules in effect through 2025. Your actual Premium Tax Credit depends on your modified AGI, exact household, the real benchmark plan in your area, and your final tax return. Alaska and Hawaii use higher poverty guidelines. Verify every figure on healthcare.gov or your state marketplace before you enroll.