What counts as full-price premium on a private health plan?

Full-price premium is the unadjusted monthly cost of a private ACA-compliant health plan as quoted by the insurer for the buyer's age, ZIP code, tobacco status, and family composition, with no Marketplace price adjustment applied (HealthCare.gov Glossary — Premium).

Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Published by Private Health Insurance Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0

What it means

  • Off-exchange buyers always pay full-price premium because no Marketplace price adjustment is applied. On-exchange buyers whose income puts them above Marketplace pricing help also pay full-price premium.

Action steps

  1. Ask the broker or carrier for the full-price monthly premium in writing.
  2. Compare the full-price premium of the same metal tier across carriers to pick the best value.

Risks & deadlines

  • Full-price premium can change each plan year at renewal.

Source:

Last verified: 2026-07-19

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