For people who don't qualify for a subsidy
Earn too much for a subsidy? You still have options.
Paying full price on the Marketplace can be a shock. I help people in that exact spot compare private plans that are priced on health instead of income.
Sound familiar?
- You went to the Marketplace expecting a subsidy and saw a much higher price.
- Your household earns just over the cutoff, and losing the tax credit feels like a penalty.
- You're healthy and paying for a plan you barely use.
Why so many people lost their subsidy
From 2021 through 2025, temporary rules extended Marketplace tax credits to people at higher incomes. Those rules ended after 2025. Under current law, tax credits are generally available only to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2027 coverage, that's about $63,840 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four.
Earn a dollar over that line and the tax credit disappears entirely, so you pay the full Marketplace price.
Where private plans come in
Private plans don't use your income at all. They're priced on your age, location, and health. For healthy individuals and families above the subsidy line, that often means a noticeably lower monthly premium than a full-price Marketplace plan.
The trade-off: many private plans use medical underwriting, so not everyone qualifies, and some conditions may be excluded or priced higher. Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions. That's why I look at both and walk you through the differences before you decide.
What I'll compare for you
- Monthly premium
- Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- Doctor and hospital networks
- Prescription coverage
- When coverage can start
Get your exact quote
Tell me a little about your situation and I'll put your private and Marketplace options side by side. I usually reach out within one business day, and there's never a cost to you.
- Private and Marketplace plans compared side by side
- One licensed advisor, no call center
- No cost and no obligation
Common questions
What is the subsidy cutoff for 2027?
Under current law, Marketplace tax credits generally stop at 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2027 coverage, that's about $63,840 for a single person and $132,000 for a family of four. Rules can change, so I'll confirm the current numbers when we talk.
Are private plans as good as Marketplace plans?
They're different. Some private plans offer broad PPO networks and lower premiums for healthy people, but they may not cover pre-existing conditions the way Marketplace plans must. I'll explain exactly what a plan covers before you apply.
Can I switch to a private plan in the middle of the year?
Many private plans can start any time of year. If you're leaving a Marketplace plan, we'll time it so you don't have a gap in coverage.
Is it worth lowering my income to get a subsidy?
Sometimes, for people near the cutoff, contributions to retirement accounts or an HSA can lower the income that counts. That's a tax question, so talk with your tax professional; I can show you what the price difference would be.
What clients say
Dalton was very informative and helpful! He made sure he explained everything we were doing and got my family the best coverage! A truly great person to work with!
Dalton has been a pleasure to work with. He's very knowledgeable, timely, and has went above and beyond to answer any questions we have had!