Will tax credits help pay for your health plan? How to find out
Check to see whether you qualify for tax credits before you choose your new plan
Once you get beyond the sticker shock of your estimated 2027 health insurance premium, you may be confused about how much you’ll actually pay.
The good news: Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC)—created under the Affordable Care Act—remain in place. Most people in Maine should receive some financial support.
Because these tax credits help to offset how much you'll pay each month for your health insurance, it's important that you check to see what you'll qualify for while you're shopping for a plan.
Who's eligible for the APTC subsidy?
If you received APTC assistance last year, you’ll likely still qualify in 2027, unless your household income is 400% above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If you didn’t receive credits, but had a drop in income in 2026, be sure to check whether you’re eligible. For reference, 400% FPL is about:
- $132,000 for a family of four
- $86,560 for a couple
- $63,840 for a single person
How can I estimate my 2027 APTC amount?
If you want someone to walk you through this process, check with your broker or talk to our advisor. You can schedule an appointment here. She’ll spend all the time you need to sort it out.
Prefer to do you own homework? Use the KFF Premium Calculator, which will give you a solid estimate, even though the website hasn't yet been updated for 2027 Open Enrollment. If you are considering renewing or buying a Marketplace plan, you can also see your exact costs in the information from CoverME.gov.
Are Enhanced Tax Credits coming back for 2027?
If you’ve been following the news, you know about Enhanced Tax Credits, first enacted by the American Rescue Plan during COVID-19, and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. They expired Dec. 31, 2025, and Congress has not reinstated them.
These credits removed the APTC’s so-called “subsidy cliff” of 400% FPL in income, instead basing support on whether your premiums cost more than 8.5% of your household income. If they did, you received tax credits, regardless of income.
The KFF calculator still shows you what you would pay with enhanced credits vs. APTC credits and we'll update this blog once new information is available.
Note: Open Enrollment for 2027 begins Nov 1 and runs through Dec. 15 for plans effective Jan. 1, 2027. If you decide to wait, you have until Jan. 15, 2027, to sign up for coverage, beginning Feb. 1, 2027. If you need coverage now, you may be able to buy a new plan if you've had a major life change or recently lost your coverage. Need help reviewing your options? We’re here to help.
Have questions about your current plan and coverage? Please call Member Services at (855) 624-6463.
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