ACA subsidies still exist in 2027: 11 states are adding state-funded help after the enhanced federal credits expired. Regular federal premium tax credits remain available, and the new state money stacks on top of them. In a November 9 report, CNBC described 11 states providing additional premium assistance: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
ACA Subsidies in 2027: What Changed
State assistance generally supplements federal premium tax credits; it does not mean every enrollee receives the same support or that every state replaces the expired federal help. The 11 states are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Each operates its own marketplace, rather than using HealthCare.gov.
The cost changes extend beyond the loss of the enhanced credits. KFF’s 2027 marketplace analysis reports that finalized benchmark silver premiums rose an average of 13% for 2027. The two-year increase from 2025 to 2027 is 42% on average for a 40-year-old. KFF also reports effectuated enrollment of 19.2 million by February 2026, down 12% from the prior year.
State support differs substantially. New Mexico is the only state identified as fully replacing the expired enhanced federal assistance for 2027. Massachusetts has the largest state investment, at $620 million, up from $600 million. Washington’s program offers up to $35 per month for qualifying enrollees up to 200% of the federal poverty level who receive a federal subsidy, and up to $20 per month for those between 201% and 250%.
California expanded eligibility for its Covered California State Subsidy Program. The state marketplace says its 2027 program has $300 million in funding, compared with $190 million in 2026, and covers eligible households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. That is $31,920 for one person or $66,000 for a family of four. The expansion makes an estimated 200,000 additional Californians eligible, according to Covered California.
A Virginia Example: Eligibility Depends on the Income Range
Consider an illustrative composite: a 52-year-old self-employed bookkeeper in Richmond with a household of one and annual income near $38,000. Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace lists the Virginia Premium Savings income range as 138% to 250% of the federal poverty level: $22,025 to $39,900 for an individual. If the consumer meets the program’s other requirements and enrolls in a qualifying plan through the state marketplace, the application determines the available savings.
A $45,000 income for a household of one is above the individual income range stated in the marketplace’s current FAQ. That income should not be assumed to qualify for Virginia Premium Savings. Income limits and eligibility should be checked against the marketplace application and current program rules.
Virginia’s savings apply after the enrollee uses any eligible federal advance premium tax credit. The marketplace says the amount appears during the application process, applies to qualified health plans rather than catastrophic or stand-alone dental plans, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis for plan year 2027. The Virginia Premium Savings FAQ advises that choosing a plan during open enrollment is the best way to secure the assistance. Funding is for one plan year; future availability has not been confirmed.
A California household earning about $30,000, by comparison, falls below the state’s published 200% FPL limit for an individual. The expansion moves California’s eligibility ceiling up from 165% FPL in 2026. Covered California’s release does not describe a first-come funding deadline like Virginia’s, but program details and final eligibility should still be confirmed through the marketplace.
State-by-State Action Map
If located in one of the 11 states: Use that state’s marketplace, not HealthCare.gov. State assistance is generally assessed through the state application and shown with plan costs, though procedures differ. Confirm the current eligibility rules and effective-date deadlines on the state marketplace.
If located in New Mexico: The state is the only one reported to fully replace the lost enhanced federal subsidy. Compare each plan’s total cost after federal and state assistance rather than its listed premium alone. New Mexico was also the only state with enrollment growth in 2026, increasing 14% from 2025, according to KFF.
If located in a HealthCare.gov state such as Florida or Texas: No equivalent state backfill program is identified in the reported 11-state group. The remaining levers include checking eligibility for base federal premium tax credits, comparing available metal tiers, and reviewing all marketplace plans. A private-market option may also be considered where relevant; premiums, benefits and eligibility differ.
For enrollment timing, KFF says open enrollment began November 1, 2026, in most states and runs through January 15, 2027, in most states. December 15 is generally the key deadline for coverage starting January 1. State deadlines can differ, so the marketplace’s date should be confirmed before selecting a plan. Virginia’s program also has first-come funding, creating additional reason to review the application early.
Four Steps Before Choosing a Plan
- Confirm the official marketplace. Start with the exchange serving the state of residence. A state subsidy may not be available through HealthCare.gov.
- Complete an application before comparing prices. Review the combined federal and state assistance displayed for each plan. Virginia says its savings are calculated during the application.
- Update the annual income estimate. Repayment limits for excess federal premium tax credits have been eliminated beginning with tax year 2026. KFF notes that the first filing under the new rule occurs in early 2027. Income that ends up higher than projected may result in a larger tax bill.
- Check the effective-date deadline. In most states, December 15 is the date to target for January 1 coverage; January 15 is the final open-enrollment deadline in most states. Confirm the state marketplace’s dates, which may differ.
What State Backfills Do, and Do Not, Resolve
The assistance creates a geographic divide. Residents in states with programs may receive additional help, while many residents in HealthCare.gov states have no comparable state funding. The 11 programs are concentrated in states with state-based marketplaces and are largely in Democratic-leaning states. This does not establish that every resident of those states qualifies or that every other state has identical rules.
The design also affects enrollment timing. Federal enhanced credits were available to people who met the federal criteria; Virginia’s new state program has a limited first-come funding structure. This can make early applications consequential for eligible residents. Justin Lo, a senior researcher at KFF, told CNBC that states offering assistance in 2026 had smaller enrollment declines, and that more generous programs may support better retention in 2027. The association is not a guarantee that any state program will prevent coverage losses.
There is also a funding question beyond 2027. State subsidies depend on annual appropriations and budgets. Louise Norris of healthinsurance.org told CNBC that a state’s ability to continue funding depends on its budget. Households incorporating state assistance into a longer-term budget should account for the possibility that amounts, eligibility or program availability may change.
Who may receive no additional help: People above 400% FPL generally do not qualify for federal premium tax credits under the current rules. State program thresholds vary, so any state-specific exception should be confirmed. Residents in states without a state backfill program do not receive added assistance from one of the 11 programs described here.
Help With Plan Comparisons and Information Checks
Comparing metal tiers requires more than looking at the monthly premium. Deductibles, provider networks, prescription coverage and expected care use can affect total costs. A licensed insurance agent or a free navigator may help with plan comparisons and income estimates.
Before sharing income or Social Security number details, confirm the identity and credentials of anyone assisting with an application. Use the VerifiedAgent state lookup as part of the agent check, and independently confirm current license information and National Producer Number records.
State subsidy amounts, eligibility rules and enrollment deadlines can change. Available federal and state assistance should be confirmed directly through the relevant marketplace before a plan is selected.