Premium Tax Credit
A federal Premium Tax Credit can reduce the monthly bill for a Covered California plan. You may apply some or all of it in advance, called APTC, or claim an eligible amount when filing federal taxes.
2026 subsidies and savings
See how premium tax credits, Enhanced Silver plans, and California's 2026 state subsidy may change what you pay for health coverage.
How financial help works
Covered California financial help can reduce monthly premiums and, for eligible households, lower the cost of care. Eligibility is based on the coverage year, tax household, estimated annual income, ZIP code, ages, and access to other qualifying coverage.
A federal Premium Tax Credit can reduce the monthly bill for a Covered California plan. You may apply some or all of it in advance, called APTC, or claim an eligible amount when filing federal taxes.
For eligible households, cost-sharing reductions can lower deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum. These savings are available through Silver 73, Silver 87, or Silver 94.
Marketplace financial help is available only through qualifying health plans purchased through Covered California.
Your estimate
Covered California uses the information in your application and the benchmark plan available where you live. The result is specific to your household.
Estimate household income for the coverage year, not only what has already been earned.
Tax filing status, household members, and who needs coverage affect the application.
Ages and location affect premiums and the benchmark plan used for the calculation.
Access to qualifying job-based coverage, Medicare, or Medi-Cal can affect eligibility.
2026 financial help update
Skyline can help organize the household and income details Covered California uses, then compare the plans available in your ZIP code.
Review Covered California's 2026 changesThe enhanced federal Premium Tax Credits ended December 31, 2025. Standard federal tax credits remain available for eligible households.
For 2026, eligible consumers at or below 165% of the federal poverty level may receive additional California premium assistance.
Report changes promptly. Financial help is reconciled using actual tax-year information, and excess assistance may need to be repaid.
From our clients
FAQ
Eligible consumers may receive a Premium Tax Credit that lowers the monthly premium. Some households may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions through an Enhanced Silver plan, and eligible consumers may receive California premium assistance in 2026.
The estimate considers projected annual household income, tax household size, ages, home ZIP code, the local benchmark plan, and access to other qualifying coverage.
Silver 73, 87, and 94 are Enhanced Silver plans that can lower deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum for eligible households.
Update Covered California promptly. A change can affect financial help, plan eligibility, and the amount reconciled when taxes are filed.
No. Marketplace financial help is available only for qualifying health plans purchased through Covered California.
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