ACA Subsidy Guide (2026)
Two federal programs make ACA Marketplace health insurance dramatically cheaper for most households: the Premium Tax Credit and Cost-Sharing Reductions. Here's how they work and how to estimate your savings.
Premium Tax Credit (PTC)
A monthly credit paid directly to your insurance carrier that reduces your premium. Under enhanced subsidies, no household pays more than 8.5% of income for a benchmark Silver plan — regardless of whether income is above 400% of FPL.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
Extra savings that reduce your deductible, copays, and coinsurance. Available to households with income between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level who enroll in a Silver-tier Marketplace plan.
How to estimate your subsidy
- Total your household's expected 2026 income (wages, self-employment, unemployment, most other taxable income).
- Count everyone in your tax household (you, spouse, and tax dependents).
- Compare that income to the Federal Poverty Level for your household size.
- Get a quote — a licensed TruePath agent runs the exact Marketplace calculation for free.
We don't publish a live calculator here on purpose — Marketplace subsidy math changes year to year and varies by ZIP code and benchmark Silver plan. The most accurate number is one from a licensed agent using the real Marketplace API.