Health insurance renewal changes are here, and many people will see a different price this time. Take three minutes before your plan renews. Questions? Call 888-730-6001.
What Changed
For the last few years, extra federal help kept Marketplace plans unusually cheap. That extra help has now ended. The regular rules are back, and they are less generous.
- There’s an income limit again. Earn even $1 over it, and the help drops to zero.
- Help is smaller below the limit, too. Many people will pay more than they did before.
- Prices are up. Many insurers raised rates for the new plan year.
- Guessing wrong costs more. If your income ends up higher than you estimated, you now repay all of the extra help at tax time.
Where the Income Limit Falls
The cutoff is 400% of the federal poverty level. Here’s what that looks like for common household sizes:
| Household size | Help stops above |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $86,560 |
| 4 people | $132,000 |
Based on federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii are higher.
Who Feels It Most
- Self-employed people and small business owners
- Early retirees who aren’t on Medicare yet
- Couples and families just over the income line
- Anyone whose income changes during the year
Don’t Just Let It Auto-Renew
If you do nothing, you’ll likely be renewed into the same or a similar plan. Your help gets recalculated using old information. That can mean a surprise bill now, or another one at tax time.
Instead, update your income and compare your options. In most states, sign up by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Dates vary, so check the enrollment deadlines for your state. Want a second set of eyes? Call 888-730-6001.
Before You Sign Anything, Check These
- Your doctors and hospitals are in network
- Your prescriptions are covered, and at what cost
- The deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum
- The total monthly price, with every fee included
- Any memberships, add-ons or extra fees bundled in
Want the full list? Use our open enrollment checklist.
Who You Work With Matters
Not every plan, or every agent, puts the full picture in front of you. Some plans come bundled with extras you never asked for. Others look cheap until you see the deductible.
A good agent shows you everything before you sign. That means what’s covered, what’s not, and exactly what you’ll pay. Nothing should be a surprise after you enroll.
Over the Income Limit? There Are Options
Paying full price doesn’t have to mean settling. Many states also offer private plans outside the Marketplace, such as short-term health insurance. These plans aren’t ACA coverage, so they aren’t the right fit for everyone. A licensed agent can help you weigh the trade-offs. For a deeper look, read who lost subsidy help and what to do.
How Vivna Helps
- Licensed agents who explain your options in plain English
- Plans from 50+ carriers, compared side by side
- Help checking what you qualify for
- No cost to talk with us
Every state has its own plans and prices. Find your state’s health insurance options to see what’s available where you live.