South Carolina's capital city. Compare 2026 ACA marketplace plans and find out how much you can save with subsidies.
Get Free Columbia Quotes →The table below shows estimated monthly premiums for a 40-year-old non-smoker in Columbia before ACA subsidies. Your actual cost depends on age, household size, and income.
| Metal Tier | Est. Premium (age 40) | After Avg. Subsidy | Deductible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $303/mo | ~$156/mo | $7,000–$9,000 | Healthy, low-use individuals |
| Silver | $421/mo | ~$274/mo | $5,200–$6,200 | Most families (best subsidy value) |
| Gold | $505/mo | ~$358/mo | $1,500–$3,000 | Frequent medical users |
| Platinum | $589/mo | ~$442/mo | $0–$500 | High medical needs |
*Rates are estimates for a 40-year-old non-smoker. Actual premiums vary by zip code, age, and tobacco status. Use our subsidy calculator for a personalized estimate.
These carriers offer ACA marketplace plans in the Columbia area for 2026. Network size and plan availability vary by zip code.
| Carrier | Best For | Network Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlueCross BlueShield of SC | Broad network access | PPO / HMO options | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Ambetter from Absolute Total Care | Low premiums | HMO | ⭐ 4.2/5 |
| Oscar Health | Digital-first experience | EPO / HMO | ⭐ 4.0/5 |
Not sure which carrier to choose? See our full South Carolina carrier comparison →
If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you qualify for an Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) that reduces your monthly premium. Here's what that looks like for a single adult in Columbia:
| Annual Income | % FPL | Max Premium (% of income) | Est. Subsidy | Your Silver Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | 133% | 0% | $421/mo | $0/mo |
| $25,000 | 166% | ~1.1% | $398/mo | ~$23/mo |
| $35,000 | 232% | ~5.5% | $261/mo | ~$160/mo |
| $50,000 | 332% | ~7.8% | $96/mo | ~$325/mo |
| $60,000 | 398% | ~8.5% | $0/mo | ~$425/mo |
Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your exact income and household size.
Questions about SEPs or missing open enrollment? Learn about enrolling outside open enrollment →
Bronze plans start around $303/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies. With an ACA subsidy, many Columbia residents pay $0–$121/month for a Bronze plan depending on income.
You can enroll directly on HealthCare.gov, but a licensed broker is free to use and can help you compare all available plans, verify your subsidy, and ensure you pick the right network for your doctors.
Open Enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 each year. Outside that window, you need a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, baby, moving) to trigger a Special Enrollment Period. See 2026 Open Enrollment dates →
If you miss Open Enrollment without a qualifying event, you may be able to get short-term health insurance as a temporary bridge. Contact us to explore your options.
Get a free, no-obligation quote. A licensed South Carolina broker will compare all available plans for you.
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