People shopping for 2027 Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage in 11 U.S. states can apply for state premium aid after enhanced federal tax credits expired at the end of 2025.
Those states are California, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. HealthCare.gov says eligible customers can still receive standard federal premium tax credits. State assistance depends on where a household lives and whether it meets the local program’s rules.
The cost pressure is already visible in marketplace payments. KFF calculated an average monthly payment of $178 after federal tax credits in 2026, up 58% from $113 in 2025. That average includes customers who received no credit. KFF also found that benchmark silver premiums for 2027 are 13% higher on average than in 2026; a household’s bill depends on its eligibility and plan choice.
California is increasing its state subsidy funding to $300 million for 2027 from $190 million in 2026 and extending eligibility to households earning no more than 200% of the federal poverty level. Covered California expects 200,000 more people to qualify for financial help. It says the state money cannot replace the nearly $2.5 billion a year Californians received under the expired federal enhancement.
Massachusetts has budgeted $620 million for ConnectorCare in 2027, compared with $600 million in 2026. State officials expect about 279,000 customers to see little or no premium increase. ConnectorCare also lowers copayments and eliminates deductibles for its enrollees.
The two new programs use different eligibility rules. Virginia’s Premium Savings program covers qualifying marketplace households earning 138% to 250% of the federal poverty level, with state aid added to any federal credit they receive. HealthSource RI expects Rhode Island’s program to help more than 20,000 customers, including households below 200% of the poverty level and some above 400% whose premiums are high relative to their income.
Washington offers eligible customers up to $35 per person each month at or below 200% of the poverty level, and up to $20 between 201% and 250%, subject to its federal subsidy and plan requirements. Maryland’s state assistance reaches qualifying households up to 400% of the poverty level; New Jersey’s reaches up to 600%.
State marketplaces are urging shoppers to review their 2027 plan prices and eligibility during open enrollment. Rhode Island’s new assistance is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
