How this estimate works
The calculator starts from KFF's 2026 average benchmark premium for a 40-year-old, $625 a month nationally. The benchmark is the second-lowest-cost silver plan in each county, weighted by plan selections. It multiplies that amount by 12, then by your state's average benchmark relative to the U.S. average, by the federal default age curve published by CMS (age 40 equals a factor of 1.278, age 64 equals 3.0), and by the national ratio of the lowest-cost bronze, lowest-cost silver or lowest-cost gold premium to the benchmark.
In 2026 the lowest-cost gold plan averages almost the same as the benchmark silver plan nationally, which is why the gold option is close to silver.
What is included
- Full premium for one person before premium tax credits
- All 50 states and the District of Columbia
- Bronze, silver and gold levels sold on HealthCare.gov and state Marketplaces
Limitations
Many enrollees pay much less after premium tax credits, which depend on household income; check HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace. Premiums differ by county within a state. New York and Vermont do not allow age rating, and several jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oregon and Utah, use their own age curves, so age results there are approximate. Insurers may add a tobacco surcharge of up to 50% under federal rules, and several states limit or ban it; it is not included.
This is an indicative estimate, not an offer of insurance. Read more about health insurance or request a quote.