The health insurance marketplace estimator helps you calculate your ACA premium tax credit and estimate net health insurance costs after federal subsidies for bronze, silver, and gold marketplace plans.
Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on 2025 ACA guidelines. Actual subsidies depend on your exact income, state, available plans, and current law. Visit healthcare.gov for your official subsidy calculation and to enroll.
Your Household Information
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
Subsidy Estimate
Your Subsidy Details
Bronze Plan
High deductible ($6,000+). Best if you're healthy and rarely use care.
Silver Plan Most Popular
Best for CSR eligibility (<250% FPL). Moderate deductibles ($2,500–$4,000).
Gold Plan
Higher premium, lower deductibles ($500–$1,500). Good for frequent care users.
Estimates based on 2025 ACA guidelines and national average benchmarks. Actual amounts vary by state and available plans. Visit healthcare.gov to see real plan options and your exact subsidy.
How to Use the Health Insurance Marketplace Estimator
This health insurance marketplace estimator calculates your estimated ACA premium tax credit based on your household income and size, then shows net plan costs for bronze, silver, and gold tiers after the subsidy is applied.
Step 1: Enter Your Household Information
Use your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — this is your adjusted gross income plus any tax-exempt Social Security income and foreign income. For most people, MAGI is the same as AGI from your tax return. Household size follows IRS tax filing rules, generally including you, your spouse, and all dependents you claim.
Understanding the Premium Tax Credit
The ACA limits your premium contribution to a percentage of your income (up to 8.5% in 2025). If the benchmark silver plan in your area costs more than that cap, the government pays the difference directly to your insurer. This credit scales with income — lower income means a larger credit. At 100-150% FPL, many people pay $0 for a benchmark silver plan.
Which Metal Tier Should You Choose?
If your income is 100-250% FPL, choose a Silver plan — it's the only tier where Cost Sharing Reductions (CSR) apply, which can cut your deductibles and copays dramatically. If you're above 250% FPL and healthy, Bronze plans have the lowest premium. If you have chronic conditions or anticipate significant healthcare use, Gold plans often have better total cost despite higher premiums.
Open Enrollment Dates
The ACA open enrollment period runs November 1–January 15 for the following year. If you miss open enrollment, you can only enroll during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by qualifying life events: losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving out of your plan's service area. Coverage starts as early as January 1 if enrolled by December 15.
FAQ
What is the ACA premium tax credit?
The premium tax credit (PTC) is a subsidy from the federal government that reduces your health insurance premium on the ACA marketplace. Your eligibility and amount depend on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL). In 2025, subsidies are available to households earning up to 400% FPL.
Who qualifies for ACA subsidies?
You qualify if you don't have access to affordable employer coverage, aren't eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, and your household income is between 100% and 400% FPL ($14,580–$58,320 for a single person in 2025). The American Rescue Plan temporarily expanded subsidies — check healthcare.gov for the latest income limits.
What is the difference between bronze, silver, and gold plans?
Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest out-of-pocket costs (deductibles up to $7,500). Silver plans balance premiums and costs — and only silver plans qualify for Cost Sharing Reductions (CSR) if your income is 100-250% FPL. Gold plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles and copays, making them valuable if you use significant healthcare.
What is Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR)?
CSR is an additional subsidy that reduces your deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums on silver plans only. It's available to people with incomes 100-250% of the federal poverty level. CSR can make a silver plan function like a gold or platinum plan in terms of cost-sharing.
When can I enroll in marketplace health insurance?
Open enrollment typically runs from November 1 to January 15 for coverage starting January 1. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow you to enroll or change plans within 60 days of qualifying life events: losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new coverage area.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. For exact subsidy calculations, visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace.