How to Qualify for $0 Health Insurance

June 24, 2025•2 min read

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.” — Kofi Annan

Health insurance can feel overwhelming — but the Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes coverage more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans through premium subsidies. If you or your family need help paying for health insurance, it’s important to understand how these subsidies work and how to see if you qualify.

What Is an ACA Subsidy?

A subsidy is financial help from the federal government that lowers the monthly cost of your health insurance premium. There are two main types:

Premium Tax Credit: Lowers the monthly premium cost for Marketplace plans.
Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR): Lowers out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays on certain Silver plans.

Most people only think about the Premium Tax Credit — but both can make your health care more affordable.

(Source: HealthCare.gov)

Who Can Qualify for a Subsidy?

Eligibility depends on:

✅ Income: Generally, you qualify if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). In some states, subsidies extend beyond 400% due to expanded rules under the American Rescue Plan.

✅ Family Size: The income limits adjust based on how many people are in your household.

✅ Location: Some states have their own Marketplace with slightly different rules.

✅ No Other Coverage: You generally can’t get a subsidy if you have other qualifying health coverage, like Medicare, Medicaid, or affordable employer-sponsored insurance.

(Source: HealthCare.gov — See if you qualify)

When Can You Apply?

You can apply for a subsidy during:

Open Enrollment Period: Usually from November to January each year.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you have a qualifying life event — like losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.

Missing these windows could mean waiting until the next Open Enrollment unless you qualify for a SEP.

How to Estimate Your Subsidy

HealthCare.gov and trusted brokers use online calculators to estimate your eligibility based on your household size, income, and zip code. It’s quick and gives you an idea of how much financial help you might receive.

Example: For a single person making under $50,000 a year, the subsidy could cover a significant portion of your monthly premium — sometimes enough to bring your payment close to $0.