Can’t Afford Health Insurance? Your Options

Check for Help Before You Decide You Can’t Afford It

The single biggest mistake: not checking. For 2027 coverage, premium tax credits go to households earning 100%–400% of FPL (about $15,960–$63,840 for one person, roughly $33,000–$132,000 for a family of four). The enhanced credits that removed the income cap expired after 2025 and are not back for 2027 under current law (unless Congress acts), so $1 over 400% of FPL means no credit. Under the 2027 rules, your expected contribution toward the benchmark (second-lowest-cost) Silver plan runs 2.15%–10.22% of income. Example: a single adult earning $31,920 (200% of FPL) is expected to pay 6.78% of income, about $2,164 a year or $180/month, for the benchmark Silver plan; the tax credit covers the rest of that plan’s price, and a cheaper plan costs less. Estimate your 2027 subsidy → or check with an advisor →

Budget-Friendly Plan Options

Catastrophic (under 30, or 30+ with a hardship or affordability exemption): Often the lowest ACA premium, with at least 3 primary care visits a year covered before the deductible, but premium tax credits can’t be used on it. Bronze: about 60% actuarial value, the highest deductible and the lowest metal-tier premium; because your tax credit is the same dollar amount whichever metal-tier plan you pick, some people pay $0 for a Bronze plan. Short-term: If you get no subsidy and you’re healthy, it can work as bridge coverage, but it’s medically underwritten, excludes pre-existing conditions and isn’t ACA coverage. Short-term plans are temporary coverage, and how long you can keep one depends on your state and the plan, from 3 months or less in some states to longer terms with renewals where state law allows. Cost of being uninsured: a single ER visit or hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars. Before you buy the cheapest product you can find, make sure it actually covers hospital care; some low-cost products pay only fixed dollar amounts and are not major medical coverage.

More Coverage Options