Cheapest ACA plans by state for 2026

Covered California (state-based exchange). Federal APTC plus the Covered California state subsidy can drive both numbers to $0 for households below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Connect for Health Colorado (state-based exchange). Federal APTC plus the new Colorado Premium Assistance can cut net premiums by $50+ per person per month for households below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Access Health CT (state-based exchange). For Connecticut adults up to 175% FPL who are not on HUSKY/Medicaid, the Covered Connecticut Program can bring a Silver plan to $0 premium, $0 deductible, $0 cost-sharing — plus adult dental and non-emergency medical transportation.

Healthcare.gov (federal marketplace). Florida's ACA marketplace is the largest in the country with ~4.5M enrollees, but the state has no premium subsidy and has not expanded Medicaid — so your only financial help is federal APTC.

Georgia Access (state-based exchange). Georgia does not offer a state subsidy on top of federal APTC, and because Georgia has not expanded Medicaid, APTC eligibility still starts at 100% FPL.

Maryland Health Connection (state-based exchange). Maryland stacks a state reinsurance program (~34% premium cut) plus a permanent Young Adult Subsidy and a new PY2026 all-ages wraparound that backfills ~100% of the lost federal enhanced subsidies below 200% FPL.

Massachusetts Health Connector (state-based exchange). Most Massachusetts residents earning under 400% FPL qualify for ConnectorCare: zero-deductible plans with premiums from $0 to $235/month for 2026.

Get Covered New Jersey (state-based exchange). On top of federal APTC, NJ Health Plan Savings reaches up to 600% FPL — one of the few remaining affordability levers for middle-income households now that federal enhanced credits have expired.

NY State of Health (state-based exchange). A 25-year-old and a 64-year-old pay the same premium in New York under community rating, and sub-200% FPL enrollees can usually get the free Essential Plan (BHP) instead of a QHP.

Pennie (state-based exchange). Pennsylvania's cheapest plan depends on your county. Highmark and UPMC dominate the west, IBX and Highmark Benefits Group dominate Philadelphia, Capital and Geisinger anchor central PA.

Healthcare.gov (federal marketplace). Texas has the most fragmented rating-area landscape in the country (26 areas) and no state premium subsidy, so which county you're in and whether you clear 100% FPL drive almost everything about your price.

Vermont Health Connect (state-based exchange). A 25-year-old and a 64-year-old pay the same premium for the same plan in Vermont because VT is one of only two states that prohibits age rating.

Virginia's Insurance Marketplace (state-based exchange). 2026 is the only Virginia plan year where one carrier (Sentara) can still charge tobacco users more. HB220 bans the surcharge statewide for any plan renewed on or after January 1, 2027.

Washington Healthplanfinder (state-based exchange). On top of federal APTC, Cascade Care Savings adds $55 per person per month for households at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level who enroll in a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan.