Read IRS questions and answers on the Premium Tax Credit

Health Insurance Cost Estimation

Health insurance costs most Americans between $200 and $1,800 per month depending on age, location, income, and coverage type. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace provides subsidies (premium tax credits) that reduce costs for people earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, the subsidy formula is: Premium Tax Credit = Second Lowest Cost Silver Plan premium minus (your income times your applicable percentage, which ranges from 2.1% to 9.96%). Employer-provided coverage averages $9,325/year for single plans, with employers paying roughly 79% of the cost.