When most people hear “zero-premium health insurance,” they assume it’s only for low-income individuals. But what if we told you that in 2025, you could qualify for a $0 monthly premium health plan—even if your annual income is over $35,000?

Thanks to expanded subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the continuation of the American Rescue Plan provisions, more Americans than ever are getting access to quality, affordable health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. In fact, according to KFF, nearly 5 in 10 enrollees now pay less than $10 per month, and many pay nothing at all.

So, how do these zero-premium plans work—and which ones are actually worth considering? This guide dives deep into the top 7 zero-premium Marketplace health plans available right now, even for those making above $35K a year.

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What Is a Zero-Premium Marketplace Plan?

A zero-premium health insurance plan is a policy where the monthly premium is entirely offset by government subsidies known as Premium Tax Credits (PTCs). These subsidies are calculated based on your income, household size, and location, and can reduce your out-of-pocket monthly cost to $0.

But here’s the twist: because of recent legislation, you can now qualify for these zero-premium plans even with a moderate income—sometimes even with an income up to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or higher.

For context, 400% FPL in 2025 is around $58,320 for a single person and $120,000 for a family of four (source).

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Why Zero-Premium Plans Are Now More Widely Available

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and its extension under the Inflation Reduction Act, subsidies have increased and eligibility has broadened.

Key reasons zero-premium plans are now easier to get:

• Expanded tax credits for those earning above 400% of the FPL.
• Cap on maximum premium contribution to 8.5% of income.
• State-based subsidies offered in certain states like California, New York, and Massachusetts.
• More Silver-tier plans priced lower due to “Silver Loading” policies.

Read more from the official Healthcare.gov explanation here.

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How to Qualify for Zero-Premium Plans (Even Over $35K)

Even with an income over $35,000, you may still qualify if:

• Your income is under 400–600% of the FPL.
• You’re in a state with expanded Medicaid or additional subsidies.
• You choose a Bronze or low-cost Silver plan with full premium offset by tax credits.
• You’re under 30 or qualify for a Catastrophic plan in some states.
• You enroll during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15) or have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) like job loss or marriage.

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Top 7 Zero-Premium Marketplace Plans You Can Get Right Now

Here are 7 standout zero-premium plans offered in various states and regions. These plans are not only affordable but also backed by strong provider networks and essential benefits.

Plan Name	State(s) Available	Metal Tier	Deductible	Includes Dental/Vision?	Monthly Premium (After Subsidy)
Kaiser Permanente Bronze 60 HMO	CA, CO, WA	Bronze	$6,300	No	$0
Molina Marketplace Bronze Plan	TX, FL, NV, NM	Bronze	$8,550	No	$0
Ambetter Balanced Care 11	FL, GA, AZ, NC	Silver	$5,300	Pediatric Dental only	$0
Oscar Bronze Simple Plan	TX, CA, NY, NJ	Bronze	$7,500	No	$0
BlueCross BlueShield Bronze HDHP	IL, TX, OK, MI	Bronze	$7,000	No	$0
Bright Health Silver HMO 01	CO, TX, FL	Silver	$4,500	Pediatric Dental	$0
SelectHealth Bronze Essential	UT, ID, NV	Bronze	$7,900	No	$0

Note: Availability may vary by zip code and income. Always verify eligibility on Healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange.

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How Zero-Premium Doesn’t Mean Zero Cost

It’s important to note: zero-premium does not mean zero out-of-pocket expenses.

Even if your monthly payment is $0, you might still pay:

• Deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in)
• Copayments and coinsurance
• Out-of-network charges (if your provider isn’t covered)

That’s why looking beyond the premium is critical. For instance, some $0 Bronze plans have $8,000+ deductibles, while a subsidized Silver plan might offer Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which can lower deductibles significantly.

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How to Shop for Zero-Premium Plans on Healthcare.gov

Shopping smartly can make all the difference. Follow these tips:

1. Use the HealthCare.gov Plan Finder: Input your income, age, and zip code for customized options.
2. Filter by $0 Monthly Premium: Use filters to narrow down zero-premium Bronze or Silver plans.
3. Compare based on total cost, not just monthly premium. Look at:
   • Deductibles
   • Maximum out-of-pocket limits
   • Prescription drug coverage
4. Check the provider network: Ensure your doctor or local hospital is covered.
5. Estimate annual costs, not just monthly premiums.

You can start the process on Healthcare.gov here.

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Key Considerations Before Choosing a Zero-Premium Plan

Before jumping into a $0 premium plan, consider:

• Health Needs: If you expect frequent doctor visits or prescriptions, a Silver plan with CSRs might save more overall.
• Emergency Savings: Can you afford a high deductible in a crisis?
• HSA Eligibility: Some Bronze HDHPs let you open a Health Savings Account (HSA) for tax benefits.
• State-Specific Perks: States like California and New York offer additional cost reductions—check your state marketplace here.

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Real-Life Scenarios

Let’s break down how this works in practice.

Scenario 1: Single Freelancer, $37,000 Income – Texas

• Plan Chosen: Molina Bronze Plan
• Monthly Premium: $0
• Deductible: $8,550
• Estimated Out-of-Pocket (Avg. Use): $1,500/year

Scenario 2: Family of 3, Income $65,000 – California

• Plan Chosen: Kaiser Silver 94 Plan (with CSR)
• Monthly Premium: $0
• Deductible: $500
• Estimated Out-of-Pocket: $900/year

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States That Offer Even More Support

Some states go beyond federal subsidies by offering their own premium assistance:

• California: Offers additional help for families up to 600% of FPL (CoveredCA)
• New York: Offers the Essential Plan for moderate-income residents (NY State of Health)
• Massachusetts: Connectors like MAHealthConnector make zero-premium plans even more common

If you live in these states, check with your state exchange first before visiting Healthcare.gov.

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Final Thoughts: Is Zero-Premium Worth It?

Absolutely—if you shop carefully. Zero-premium plans offer a unique opportunity to get coverage without the burden of monthly bills. But they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Ask yourself:

• Are you generally healthy with few medical needs? A Bronze zero-premium plan might be perfect.
• Do you need regular care or prescriptions? A Silver plan with CSRs may offer better total value.
• Do you want to protect your savings in case of a medical emergency? Compare deductibles closely.

In any case, be proactive. With Open Enrollment happening yearly from November 1 to January 15, now is the best time to act.

Visit Healthcare.gov today to explore your eligibility and enroll in a plan that could cost you nothing—but save you everything.

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Quick Recap: How to Qualify for $0 Premium Health Insurance in 2025

• ✅ Income between 100%–600% of FPL
• ✅ Use Premium Tax Credits on Bronze or Silver plans
• ✅ Enroll during Open Enrollment or a QLE
• ✅ Leverage state-based assistance (if available)
• ✅ Filter and compare carefully for total value

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If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or bookmark it for Open Enrollment season. Your health—and your wallet—will thank you.

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