Saturday, Sep 26, 2026
What cover costs, what it actually pays for, and how much of it you need.
Work out a number using the rates we publish.
Ranked picks, with the criteria stated first.
Comparison Ladder is the default pick if you want a fully digital application and a policy that can decrease coverage, and cost, as your needs shrink over the term. Choose Haven Life if you would rather be under
Comparison HealthCare.gov, or your own state’s exchange if it runs one, is the default for nearly everyone: it is the only place that guarantees your premium tax credit applies and never hides part of the plan l
How a rule works, and what it means for you.
Open enrollment for 2027 marketplace coverage runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, with December 15 the cutoff for a January 1 start and the 400% subsidy cliff back in force.
Health FSA money is forfeited at year end unless your employer adopted a carryover or a grace period, and the run-out date is a filing deadline, not extra shopping time.
Enhanced premium tax credits expired after 2025, so for 2026 coverage one dollar of income above 400% of the federal poverty line wipes out the entire year's credit, and there is no longer any cap on repaying it.
Guide Most people pay the same Part B premium. Higher earners pay more, based on a tax return filed two years ago.
Guide A health savings account has its own annual limit, split two ways by coverage type and raised once more at 55.
Guide The subsidy is not a fixed dollar amount. It is the gap between a set percentage of your income and the price of a benchmark plan.
