Estimate your household income carefully
Marketplace savings are based in part on your projected annual household income and other application information. The final amount can differ from an early estimate.
Guarding What Matters. Guiding What's Next. Call an Agent Marketplace savings
ACA subsidies: what they are and what to watch for.
“Obamacare subsidy” is a common name for Marketplace financial help. The official terms matter because different types of savings affect different costs.
Two different types of help
Premium tax credits lower premiums. Cost-sharing reductions lower certain out-of-pocket costs.
A premium tax credit may be applied in advance to lower the monthly premium for eligible Marketplace coverage. Cost-sharing reductions may lower deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for eligible people who enroll in a qualifying Silver plan.
Report meaningful changes promptly
Income, household, address, and other coverage changes can affect eligibility. Updating the Marketplace can help keep your information current.
Look beyond a $0 premium
A plan can have a low or $0 monthly premium and still have deductibles, copays, coinsurance, provider-network rules, and other costs.
Questions people ask
Important details before you apply.
Can everyone get ACA subsidies?
No. The Marketplace reviews eligibility using the application and verifies information as needed. Eligibility and savings depend on your circumstances and are not guaranteed.
Will I have to repay a premium tax credit?
If the advance amount used during the year differs from the amount you qualify for based on final tax information, it can affect your federal tax return. Keep Marketplace information current and review tax requirements carefully.
Is a premium tax credit the same as a cost-sharing reduction?
No. A premium tax credit can lower the monthly premium; a cost-sharing reduction can lower certain out-of-pocket costs for eligible consumers in qualifying Silver plans.
Want help comparing coverage?
Start with your state and your situation.
A licensed advisor can help you understand plan options. Guardiance does not promise eligibility, savings, or a specific premium.