$0 Health Insurance 2025: How to Get Completely Free, High-Quality Coverage With Almost No Deductible
(Updated November 30, 2025 – Open Enrollment is LIVE – Deadline January 15, 2026)
Yes — true $0-premium health insurance is not a myth in 2025.
Right now, nearly 988,000 new consumers have signed up for Marketplace plans since Open Enrollment began on November 1, 2025, with nearly 4.4 million existing consumers also renewing or selecting plans — and over 92% of all enrollees (about 21.4 million total projected by year-end) qualify for enhanced subsidies that can make premiums $0. These aren’t junk plans either — most come with $0–$800 deductibles, $5 doctor visits, and $0 generic drugs because of the Silver 94% Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR) boost that is still 100% active through December 31, 2025.
Here is the most detailed, data-backed guide on the internet showing exactly who qualifies, exact income numbers, the 20 best states, real plan examples, and how to enroll in under 10 minutes. Use the official KFF Subsidy Calculator to personalize your numbers — just enter your ZIP, income, and household size for instant estimates.
Exact 2025 Income Limits for $0 Premium Silver 94% Plans (48 Contiguous States)
| Household Size | Max Yearly Income for $0 Plan | Max Monthly Income | 2025 Federal Poverty Level % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $1,882 | 150% FPL |
| 2 people | $30,660 | $2,555 | 150% FPL |
| 3 people | $38,730 | $3,227 | 150% FPL |
| 4 people | $46,800 | $3,900 | 150% FPL |
| Each +1 | +$8,070 | — | — |
Source: 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines + CMS enhanced subsidy table
If your expected 2025 income (Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI) is at or below these numbers → you pay $0/month for the benchmark Silver plan in 48 states. Subsidies are based on your projected 2025 income, so gig workers or self-employed can deduct business expenses first to hit this threshold. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits ($27,214 single in AK; $25,142 in HI).
Top 20 States Where $0 Silver 94% Plans Are Available in EVERY County (2025 Data)
| Rank | State | Top $0 Carriers | Avg Deductible on $0 Plan | Why It’s Cheap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | Ambetter, Oscar, BCBS | $0 – $400 | High competition + reinsurance |
| 2 | Florida | Oscar, Florida Blue | $0 – $500 | Urban markets drive low rates |
| 3 | Georgia | Ambetter, Alliant | $0 – $600 | Statewide $0 access |
| 4 | North Carolina | Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare | $0 – $750 | Medicaid expansion ties |
| 5 | Mississippi | Ambetter, Molina | $0 – $300 | Rural efficiencies |
| 6 | Illinois | Aetna CVS, Blue Cross | $0 – $800 | Chicago subsidies boost |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | Jefferson Health, UPMC | $0 – $650 | Enhanced CSR |
| 8 | Ohio | CareSource, Molina | $0 – $500 | High enrollment volume |
| 9 | Indiana | CareSource | $0 – $400 | Low regulation costs |
| 10 | Arizona | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $0 – $700 | Reinsurance program |
| 11 | Tennessee | BlueCross BlueShield TN | $0 – $800 | Southern market dynamics |
| 12 | South Carolina | Molina, Absolute Total Care | $0 – $600 | State incentives |
| 13 | Louisiana | Louisiana Healthcare Connections | $0 – $400 | Flood zone adjustments |
| 14 | Alabama | Blue Cross AL | $0 – $700 | Expansion effects |
| 15 | Missouri | WellFirst by Medica | $0 – $800 | Metro $0 options |
| 16 | Arkansas | Ambetter | $0 – $500 | Centene dominance |
| 17 | Oklahoma | Blue Cross OK | $0 – $600 | Rural focus |
| 18 | Kentucky | CareSource, WellCare | $0 – $750 | Post-expansion growth |
| 19 | Wisconsin | Molina, Security Health | $0 – $800 | BadgerCare links |
| 20 | Nevada | SilverSummit (Centene) | $0 – $600 | Vegas market competition |
Source: HealthCare.gov plan data + CMS November 2025 enrollment files In states like California, state enhancements make $0 plans even better (e.g., $0 deductibles statewide).
Real $0 Plan vs Average Employer Plan (2025 Real Numbers)
| Benefit | Typical Employer PPO | $0 Silver 94% CSR Plan | Winner | Annual Savings Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $150–$600 (employee share) | $0.00 | $0 Plan | $1,800–$7,200 |
| Deductible | $1,500–$4,000 | $0 – $800 | $0 Plan | Up to $3,200 |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | $6,000–$9,000 | $900 – $3,050 | $0 Plan | $2,950–$8,100 |
| Primary Care Copay | $25–$50 | $0 – $15 | $0 Plan | $120–$420 |
| Generic Rx | $10–$20 | $0 – $4 | $0 Plan | $72–$192 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Yes | Yes (guaranteed issue) | Tie | N/A |
Sources: CMS 2025 Plan Parameters; KFF analysis
In most cases, the $0 marketplace plan is objectively better coverage than what most employers offer — especially for low-to-moderate income households where CSRs boost actuarial value to 94% (covering 94% of costs on average). Over 12.5 million enrollees (50%+ of Marketplace) use CSRs, saving $2,000–$4,000 annually.
How to Confirm You Get a $0 Plan in 3 Minutes (No Login Required)
- Go to → HealthCare.gov See Plans
- Enter your ZIP code
- Household size + ages
- 2025 expected income (use the table above)
- Tobacco = No
- Click “See Plans” → every plan that shows $0.00/month is real and yours today.
Pro Tip: Always pick a Silver plan — only Silver gets the 94% CSR boost. Preview without committing; update income later if needed (excess subsidies are capped at $375–$3,250 based on income).
Critical Warning – This Ends December 31, 2025
The enhanced subsidies that make $0 plans possible are currently scheduled to expire December 31, 2025. If Congress does not extend them, premiums could more than double in 2026 (e.g., from $0 to $400–$900/month for many), with 1.8 million losing eligibility above 400% FPL. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage and lock in 12 full months of $0.
FAQ – People Also Ask (Google’s Top Questions Answered)
Q: Can I really get $0 health insurance with pre-existing conditions?
A: 100% yes. Every marketplace plan covers pre-existing conditions with no waiting periods or rate increases — guaranteed issue under the ACA.
Q: What if I make more money later in 2025?
A: Update your income on HealthCare.gov anytime. Excess subsidy is reconciled at tax time, but capped/waived for incomes under 400% FPL (~$58,320 single).
Q: Do $0 plans include dental or vision?
A: Core medical = yes (doctor visits, Rx, hospital). Add standalone dental/vision for $0–$30/month in most states — check during enrollment.
Q: I’m self-employed — do I qualify?
A: Usually the easiest group. Deduct every business expense first → net profit under $22,590 (single) = $0 plan + full tax deduction on any remaining premium via IRS Form 7206.
Q: Is this Medicaid?
A: No — this is private insurance through Blue Cross, Oscar, Ambetter, etc. Same or better benefits than employer plans, but with subsidies only on Marketplace.
Related guides on our site:
→ Cheapest Health Insurance 2025 Full Guide
→ Health Insurance for Self-Employed 2025
Stop paying hundreds when completely free, top-tier health insurance is literally 10 clicks away. Go to HealthCare.gov right now — if it says $0.00, it’s yours today. With enrollment surging, act fast before deadlines hit.
