2027 Health Insurance Cost Estimator
The enhanced ACA premium tax credits expire at the end of 2025. Enter your age, household size and income to estimate your 2027 marketplace premium and subsidy under the original ACA rules — and see how it compares with what you would have paid under the 2025 enhanced rules. Everything runs locally in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
How it works
Marketplace subsidies work like this: the government pays the difference between the benchmark silver plan premium and what you are expected to contribute, which is a percentage of your income set by law. The calculator age-rates the benchmark premium from the 2026 national average of $625/month for a 40-year-old (CMS age curve), then computes your required contribution twice: once under the original ACA percentage schedule with the 400%-of-poverty-level subsidy cliff restored (2027 rules), and once under the enhanced 2021–2025 schedule with no cliff and an 8.5% cap (2025 rules). KFF estimates the average enrollee-paid premium rises from $113 to $178 a month (+58%) once the enhanced credits expire.
Example
A 40-year-old single adult earning $60,000: the 2027 estimate comes out near $492/month net premium after a $134 subsidy, versus about $395/month under the 2025 enhanced rules — roughly $97/month (+24%) more. Earn $70,000 instead and you cross 400% of the poverty level: under 2027 rules the cliff is back and the subsidy disappears entirely.
FAQ
What changed for 2026–2027?
The enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expire December 31, 2025. From 2026 on, the original ACA rules apply again: higher required income contributions and the 400%-of-poverty-level subsidy cliff returns.
What is the benchmark silver plan?
The second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area. Subsidies are calculated against it, so the tool estimates it from the 2026 national average ($625/month for a 40-year-old, KFF) age-rated with the CMS age curve. Enter your own area's benchmark premium if you know it.
Does my state matter?
Yes. Actual premiums vary widely by state and insurer. This tool uses national averages as defaults — replace the benchmark premium with your state's figure for a closer estimate.
What if my income is below 100% of the poverty level?
Marketplace premium tax credits are not available below 100% of the federal poverty level. In states that expanded Medicaid you may qualify for Medicaid instead; in non-expansion states this is the coverage gap.
Is this financial advice?
No. This is a planning estimate based on published national figures (KFF, CMS, HHS 2026 poverty guidelines). Confirm your actual premium and subsidy with your state's marketplace or a licensed broker before enrolling.