ACA Marketplace Premium Tax Credit
Help paying for health insurance you buy yourself
What it pays or provides
The premium tax credit reduces the monthly premium you pay for a health plan bought through the Marketplace. You can use some, all, or none of it in advance to lower your bill each month, or claim it when you file your taxes.
Who qualifies
You generally need to buy your own coverage through the Marketplace, not be offered affordable job-based coverage, and fall within the income range for a credit. Starting in 2026, the enhanced credits that removed the upper income limit have ended -- the income cap is back to about 400% of the poverty level, so people above that level no longer get a credit. You can still buy a Marketplace plan without a credit no matter your income.
Where you have to live
Available to anyone buying coverage through the Oregon Marketplace at OregonHealthCare.gov who earns too much for the Oregon Health Plan.
How other benefits affect it
If you earn a little too much for regular OHP, check OHP Bridge first -- it may cost less than a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit. Congress could still act to extend the enhanced credits, which would raise or restore this benefit for higher earners.
How to apply
Apply through the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or OregonHealthCare.gov during open enrollment. The application asks about your household income and any job-based coverage offered to you, then estimates your credit. You can also get free help from a local enrollment expert at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp.
Programs that combine with it
- OHP Bridge — health coverage if you earn a little too much for OHP
Sources
- OregonHealthCare.gov: Financial Assistance
- OregonHealthCare.gov: FAQs About Premium Tax Credits and 2026 Coverage
- Official rule text “Your household income must be at least 100 percent and, for years other than 2021 and 2022, no more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size” (checked July 6, 2026)
- Official rule text “The enhanced premium tax credits are set to end on December 31, 2025.” (checked July 19, 2026)