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Do I qualify for a $0 health plan?

Savings · 4 min read

Many people who shop for ACA coverage find at least one plan that costs $0 a month after their tax credit. Whether you do depends on a few things about your household.

What decides your price

• Your expected household income for the coming year. Lower income usually means a bigger tax credit.
• Your household size. The same income goes further for a larger family, so the credit is bigger.
• Where you live. Plan prices vary a lot by ZIP code and county. In areas with higher prices, the tax credit is usually bigger too.
• Your age. Premiums rise with age, and so does the tax credit, which can make more plans $0 for older adults.

Which plans are most often $0?

Bronze plans have the lowest prices, so they are the most likely to be fully covered by your tax credit. In some areas, a Silver plan can be $0 as well. A $0 plan is real insurance: it covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and free preventive care. You may still pay a deductible and copays when you use care.

Who doesn't qualify for a tax credit

• People who can get affordable health coverage through a job (their own or a family member's)
• People who qualify for Medicaid, CHIP or Medicare
• Married couples who don't file taxes jointly (with limited exceptions)

If your income is very low, you may qualify for Medicaid instead, which is often free. We'll tell you if that's a better fit.

Tax credit rules can change from year to year. A licensed agent will check the current rules and your exact price before you enroll.