How do I estimate Marketplace income when it changes?

Which income should I include?

The Marketplace generally considers your tax household: you, your spouse if you are married, and people you expect to claim as dependents. Include applicable household income even if not everyone needs coverage. Some rules for dependent income are different; check your application.

For many people, HealthCare.gov suggests starting with adjusted gross income on Form 1040, line 11, adding untaxed foreign income, nontaxable Social Security and tax-exempt interest if applicable, then adjusting for expected changes. Avoid counting the same income twice.

What if I earn more or less than I expected?

Update your Marketplace application as soon as you know your expected income or household has changed. Your savings may go up or down. Keep records of what you reported and when.

If advance premium tax credits are paid during the year, you generally reconcile them on your federal tax return using Form 8962 and the Marketplace's Form 1095-A. For tax years beginning in 2026, the federal caps that previously limited repayment of excess advance credits were eliminated. The amount you may owe depends on your actual circumstances; it is not a reason to guess high or low.

You can discuss how much advance credit to use with the Marketplace and a tax professional. See our guide to paying back premium tax credits for details.

Can a self-employed person still get Marketplace savings?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on your projected household income, household size, available job-based coverage and other rules. The enhanced federal premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, but the ordinary premium tax credit remains available to many eligible households.

Update your application and compare your actual 2027 offers rather than assuming that you qualify or do not qualify. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, they apply to eligible Silver plans and can lower what you pay for care.

For a broader comparison of coverage options, see health insurance for self-employed people and 2027 Marketplace savings.

How can I get help without sharing income here?

The worksheet stays in your browser and is not submitted as a lead. If you want personal help, a licensed agent can explain how to compare Marketplace plans and assist with an application. A tax professional can answer questions about your business deductions and federal return.

Before you enroll, write down your expected income sources, household members, doctors and prescriptions. You can choose whether to contact us after reading; the estimate is never locked behind a form.