How to use the ACA plan finder
Start with your ZIP code. Marketplace plans and prices are set by county, so if your ZIP code crosses a county line the tool asks you to pick one. Then describe your household:
- Income: your best estimate of household income for the plan year, not last year. Start with adjusted gross income from your last tax return and adjust for raises, job changes or self-employment swings.
- People: everyone who needs coverage, with their age. Tick tobacco use if it applies, because insurers in many states can charge more for tobacco users.
- Pregnancy: tick it if someone is pregnant, since it can change Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for that person.
- Job-based offer: tick it if someone has an affordable offer of job-based coverage.
Select Show plans to see the list. Each plan shows the monthly premium before and after the estimated tax credit, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum, the metal level, the plan type and the quality rating.
How to read the results
The price after credit is usually the first thing people look at, but it is only half the cost. A plan with a low premium often has a high deductible, which you pay before the plan starts sharing most costs. Look at three numbers together:
| Number | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Premium after credit | What you pay each month, whether or not you get care | Your fixed cost for the year (× 12) |
| Deductible | What you pay for most covered care before the plan pays its share | Your cost in a year with some care |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | The most you pay for covered in-network care in a year | Your worst case in a year with major care |
Our guide to ACA metal levels explains how bronze, silver, gold and platinum split these costs.
Plan types: HMO, PPO, EPO and POS
- HMO: you usually must use the plan’s network and may need a referral to see a specialist.
- PPO: you can see out-of-network providers, usually at a higher cost.
- EPO: no out-of-network coverage except emergencies, but often no referrals.
- POS: a mix; out-of-network care may be covered with a referral.
A second worked example
What changes the answer?
- Your income. Higher income means a higher expected contribution and a smaller credit. Above 400% of the poverty level there is no credit for 2026 or 2027, because the enhanced credits expired after 2025. See the premium tax credit guide.
- Your ages. Premiums rise with age, and so does the benchmark, so older people often get larger credits.
- Your county. The benchmark and the plans on offer differ from one county to the next.
- Your state’s exchange. If your state runs its own exchange, the CMS data does not include it, and the tool shows a link to the official state site. Some state exchanges add extra state help.
- Cost-sharing reductions. If your income is from 100% to 250% of the poverty level, silver plans come with lower deductibles and copays. Read cost-sharing reductions explained before choosing bronze.
When can you enroll?
You can browse any time, but you can only enroll during open enrollment or with a Special Enrollment Period. On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and you must pick a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1 (HealthCare.gov, checked October 18, 2026). See ACA open enrollment dates for state exchange dates and coverage start rules.
Common mistakes
- Using last year’s income. Savings are based on the income you expect for the plan year.
- Leaving out a household member. Count everyone on your tax return, even if they do not need coverage.
- Choosing by premium alone. Check the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum too.
- Not checking the network. Open the provider directory and drug list before you enroll.
- Forgetting the job-based offer. An affordable offer usually blocks the credit even if you do not take it.
Related tools
To estimate just your tax credit and cost-sharing reduction eligibility without browsing plans, use the ACA subsidy calculator. To see where your income falls against the poverty level, use the FPL calculator.
