Affordable health insurance options depend mostly on your income. For 2027 coverage, a single person at 150% of the poverty level pays about $86 a month for the benchmark silver plan. At 400%, that share rises to about $544. Above 400%, you pay full price. Below, we show costs by income and six ways to pay less.
- For 2027 coverage, the credit caps your benchmark silver cost at 2.15% to 10.22% of income, depending on where you fall.
- Credits stop above 400% of the poverty level, which is $63,840 for one person, because the enhanced credits expired after 2025.
- Silver plans come with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket limits if your income is at or under 250% of the poverty level.
- Starting with tax year 2026, there's no cap on repaying extra credit, so an honest income estimate matters.
- The 2027 out-of-pocket limit for ACA plans is $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a family.
What makes health insurance options affordable?
Affordable health insurance options always start with total cost, not the lowest premium. Instead, it means the lowest total cost for the care you expect. So you need four numbers: the premium, the deductible, the out-of-pocket limit and your drug costs.
Insurers set the sticker price from just a few facts. In contrast, your income decides how much of that price you actually pay. So for most people, income is the key to health insurance you can afford.
- Age, since federal rules let a 64-year-old pay up to three times what a 21-year-old pays
- ZIP code, because prices and carriers change by county
- Tobacco use, which can add up to 50% to the premium
- Household size and income, which set your tax credit
For more detail, read what drives your monthly premium. Then jot down your expected 2027 income before you look at plans.
Affordable health insurance options by income
For 2027 coverage, the IRS sets the share of income you pay for the benchmark plan. That plan is the second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area. Here's what one person pays at common income levels.
| Poverty level | Yearly income (1 person) | Share of income | Monthly benchmark cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% | $23,940 | 4.30% | About $86 |
| 200% | $31,920 | 6.78% | About $180 |
| 250% | $39,900 | 8.66% | About $288 |
| 300% | $47,880 | 10.22% | About $408 |
| 400% | $63,840 | 10.22% | About $544 |
| Over 400% | More than $63,840 | No limit | Full price |
Below 133%, the share is 2.15%. However, in states that expanded Medicaid, most adults under 138% get Medicaid instead. Also, the credit applies to any metal level, so a bronze plan can cost even less than these figures.
Example: Ana, 40, earning $31,920
Ana sits at 200% of the poverty level, so she pays about $180 a month for the benchmark plan. In 2026, KFF put the national average benchmark for a 40-year-old at $625. At that price, her credit would be about $445 a month. Plus, at 200% she qualifies for silver extra savings.
What counts as income
- Wages, tips and net self-employment income
- Social Security, taxable and nontaxable
- Also, most IRA and 401(k) withdrawals
- Interest, capital gains and unemployment
- Child support and gifts
- Supplemental Security Income
- Plus loans and workers' compensation
- Veterans' disability payments
See how each income level changes your plan choices. Then find your own row in the table.
Extra savings on silver plans under 250%
If your income falls between 100% and 250% of the poverty level, a silver plan gets extra help. These cost-sharing reductions cut your deductible, copays and yearly limit. Better yet, you never pay them back. So for many lower-income shoppers, silver is the strongest of the affordable health insurance options. Here are the most you'd pay in network for 2027 coverage.
Plans often set their limits lower than these caps. Still, the gap shows why silver can beat bronze for lower incomes. Read how a yearly out-of-pocket limit protects you, then ask for a silver quote first.
A licensed Vivna agent will estimate your 2027 credit and show plans with it applied, at no cost to you.
Six ways to make affordable health insurance options cost less
Once you know your price, these six moves can lower it. In most cases, savings come from stacking two or three of them.
1. Estimate income honestly and update it
Your credit rests on expected income for the coverage year. Starting with tax year 2026, there's no cap on paying back extra credit. So report raises and new jobs to the Marketplace right away.
2. Match the metal level to your care
Bronze turns your credit into the lowest premium, but with a high deductible. On the other hand, silver wins under 250% thanks to extra savings. Compare tiers in how bronze, silver and gold plans differ.
3. Lower your MAGI to unlock affordable health plans
Traditional 401(k) and IRA deposits lower the income the Marketplace counts. Likewise, HSA deposits count, up to $4,500 for self-only or $9,000 for family coverage in 2027. Since 2026, Exchange bronze plans are HSA-eligible.
4. Pick a network that fits
HMO and EPO plans often cost less than PPOs. First, though, confirm your doctors and hospital take the plan. Also, staying in network keeps your bills inside the yearly limit. Then ask about generic drugs, because they usually sit on lower drug tiers. Also, compare plan types in our guide to the best health insurance plans.
5. Cover kids the cheapest way
Children often qualify for CHIP at higher incomes than adults. Also, if a job offers family coverage, the family's affordability is judged on the family premium. Our guide to coverage for children covers both.
6. Shop for budget-friendly coverage every fall
Auto-renewal can leave you on a plan that rose in price. Plus, Cigna is leaving the individual market for 2027, and Molina is leaving Florida's Marketplace. So review your plan during each Open Enrollment window and checklist.
If your income is very low
Under 100% of the poverty level, you can't get a Marketplace credit. In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults up to 138% qualify for Medicaid instead. In fact, Medicaid is usually the most affordable of all health insurance options. Starting by January 1, 2027, however, many expansion adults must meet work requirements of 80 hours a month.
In states that didn't expand Medicaid, such as Florida, some adults fall into a gap. If that's you, read about coverage when Medicaid isn't an option. Floridians can also see health plans and carriers across Florida. Your next step is to call your state Medicaid office or us to check eligibility.
Compare affordable health plans by total yearly cost
Add 12 months of premium to the deductible you'd likely meet. Then check the worst case, which is the out-of-pocket limit. That gives you a fair way to compare affordable health insurance options at any income. Then use the picker below to narrow down health insurance you can afford.
For example, say Plan A costs $300 a month with a $7,000 deductible. Meanwhile, Plan B costs $420 a month with a $2,000 deductible. These are sample figures. If you expect to meet the deductible, Plan A totals $10,600 for the year. In contrast, Plan B totals $7,040, before any coinsurance.
Start with silver for lower deductibles and copays.
Price bronze with your credit and add an HSA.
Compare gold, since a lower deductible can cost less overall.
Bring last year's tax return and a list of your prescriptions. On the phones, we find the drug list changes the winner more often than the premium does. Also, we check whether a lower income estimate is honest before we use it.
Affordable means the plan you can pay for in a bad year, not only in a quiet month.The rule our licensed agents use on every quote
For a line-by-line view, use our full breakdown of what coverage costs. Then call 888-730-6001 to compare Marketplace and private plans side by side.
Affordable health insurance options: FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get health insurance?
If you qualify, Medicaid usually costs little or nothing. Otherwise, a bronze plan with a premium tax credit often has the lowest monthly price. However, under 250% of the poverty level, a silver plan may cost less over a full year. That's because extra savings shrink your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
How do I qualify for affordable health plans with a tax credit?
For 2027 coverage, your household income must fall between 100% and 400% of the poverty level. You also must enroll through the Marketplace and lack an affordable job offer. Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP eligibility rule you out too. For one person, the range is $15,960 to $63,840.
Why do agents recommend silver plans?
Silver is the only metal level with cost-sharing reductions. So if your income is at or under 250% of the poverty level, silver can come with a much lower deductible. In addition, the benchmark silver plan sets your credit. Above 250%, though, bronze or gold may fit better.
Is there budget-friendly coverage for kids if I earn too much?
Often, yes. CHIP covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid, and limits vary by state. Plus, you can apply any time of year. Also, if a parent's job offers family coverage that costs more than 10.22% of income, the kids may qualify for a Marketplace credit.
Does a broker cost more than enrolling on my own?
No. Marketplace premiums are the same either way, because insurers pay licensed agents. Vivna compares plans from 50+ carriers and applies your credit for you. Plus, we review your plan again each fall, so you never auto-renew blind. You can also browse our library of health coverage answers any time.
Vivna's licensed agents compare plans from 50+ carriers. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Sources
- IRS: Revenue Procedure 2026-26 (2027 applicable percentages)
- HealthCare.gov: What to include as income
- CMS: 2027 premium adjustment and cost-sharing limits
- IRS: Questions and answers on the Premium Tax Credit
- KFF: Marketplace average benchmark premiums
- IRS: Revenue Procedure 2026-24 (2027 HSA limits)
Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent health insurance agency (NPN 19168641). We are not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or any government agency. Plan availability, networks and benefits vary by state and change over time. This guide is general information, not tax advice.