How to Get Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance

Temporary Subsidy Enhancements

From 2014 through 2020, under the terms of the ACA, there was an income cap of 400% of the poverty level to qualify for the premium tax credit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan changed the rules. And the Inflation Reduction Act has extended this through 2025. So for now, there is no specific income limit on premium subsidy eligibility. But for that to continue after 2025, Congress would have to take additional action.

So for at least five years (2021 through 2025), the enhanced ACA subsidies ensure that nobody who buys a plan in the marketplace/exchange pays more than 8.5% of their household income in premiums for a benchmark plan.