Average premiums, what drives your cost up or down, and exactly how ACA subsidies can cut your bill to near zero. Updated for 2026.
Calculate My Exact Cost →The unsubsidized benchmark Silver plan averages $456/month for a 40-year-old in 2026. But most people don't pay anywhere near that — ACA tax credits significantly reduce the cost for most Americans.
| Age | Bronze (avg) | Silver (avg) | Gold (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 21 | $198/mo | $278/mo | $340/mo |
| Age 26 | $218/mo | $306/mo | $374/mo |
| Age 30 | $242/mo | $340/mo | $416/mo |
| Age 40 | $324/mo | $456/mo | $558/mo |
| Age 50 | $452/mo | $635/mo | $777/mo |
| Age 60 | $614/mo | $863/mo | $1,056/mo |
| Family of 4 (avg) | $892/mo | $1,254/mo | $1,534/mo |
National averages before ACA subsidies. Actual rates vary by state and county.
ACA tax credits are available to households earning between 100% and 400%+ of the Federal Poverty Level. Here's what real people pay after subsidies:
| Income (Single) | % FPL | Estimated Monthly Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000/yr | 133% | $0/mo | $456/mo |
| $30,000/yr | 199% | ~$28/mo | ~$428/mo |
| $40,000/yr | 266% | ~$142/mo | ~$314/mo |
| $55,000/yr | 365% | ~$262/mo | ~$194/mo |
| $70,000/yr | 465% | ~$360/mo | ~$96/mo |
| $100,000/yr | 664% | $456/mo | $0 |
Estimates for a 40-year-old single adult. Use the subsidy calculator for your exact number.
The single biggest factor. A 64-year-old can legally be charged 3x what a 21-year-old pays for the same plan. Older adults benefit most from ACA subsidies.
Premiums vary dramatically by state and county. Wyoming averages $492/mo vs. Utah at $372/mo for the same 40-year-old. Rural counties often pay more due to fewer insurers.
Bronze = lowest premium, highest deductible. Platinum = highest premium, lowest deductible. Silver plans get CSR discounts for lower-income households.
More people = higher premium, but also a higher FPL threshold — meaning more subsidy potential. A family of 4 can earn $124,800 and still get ACA credits.
Insurers can charge tobacco users up to 50% more in most states. If you're trying to quit, this is one more financial reason — an ACA plan can waive this surcharge if you're in a cessation program.
Use our free ACA subsidy calculator or talk to a licensed broker. Most people pay far less than the averages above once subsidies are applied.
The national average for a benchmark Silver plan is $456/month for a 40-year-old in 2026. Bronze plans average about $324/month for the same age. Costs are lower for younger people and higher for those over 50.
Yes — if you qualify for ACA subsidies. Individuals earning between 100–200% of FPL often pay $0–$50/month for a Silver plan. Use the subsidy calculator to see if you qualify.
Unsubsidized premiums reflect the full cost of coverage — hospital contracts, administrative costs, and risk pooling. ACA subsidies (premium tax credits) are funded by the federal government and paid directly to your insurer, reducing what you owe.
Yes, but not proportionally. Family plans cover all children under 21 for the price of 3 children regardless of how many you have. The "family glitch" fix (2023) also made it easier for families to get marketplace subsidies even when employer coverage is offered.