Affordable Health Insurance 101: 9 Proven Ways to Slash Your Premiums (2025 Guide)
HALTHCARE
How to Get Affordable
Health Insurance in Your Mid-20s
Alright, you’re in your mid-twenties, trying to adult your way through life, and now you’re stuck figuring out health insurance. You want good coverage, but you also don’t want to cry when you see the monthly premium.
Here’s how you can get the most for your buck when picking a health insurance plan.
1. Stay on Your Parents’ Plan (If You Can)
Thanks to the ACA (Affordable Care Act), you can stay on your parents’ insurance until you turn 26. If their plan offers good coverage and they’re cool with keeping you on it, ride that wave while you can. Once you hit 26, though, you’re on your own—so plan ahead.
2. Consider Marketplace Plans & Subsidies
If you don’t have employer-provided insurance, head over to the healthcare marketplace (HealthCare.gov or your state’s exchange). Keep in mind Premium Tax Credits (PTCs)—aka government subsidies that help lower your monthly payments based on your income. If you’re making under a certain amount ( around $35k a year for one person), you could qualify for significant savings.
3. Know Your Premium Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Bronze Good if you rarely go to the doctor, the “Just-in-Case” Coverage
Monthly Premiums: Lowest
Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Costs: Highest
What You Pay vs. What Insurance Pays:
You pay ~40% | Insurance pays ~60% (after deductible)
When it makes sense:
You’re healthy and hardly ever visit the doctor
You mostly need preventive care (which is 100% covered anyway under ACA rules)
You want the cheapest plan that still protects you from a financial meltdown if you get hit by a bus
Silver = the “sweet spot” for most people . Also, if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) (extra savings on copays & deductibles), they ONLY apply to Silver plans.
Monthly Premiums: Moderate
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Moderate
What You Pay vs What Insurance Pays:
You pay ~30% | Insurance pays ~70%
Why silver plans are special:
If your income is between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)—a hidden gem that lowers your deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. But here's the kicker:
✅ CSRs ONLY apply to Silver plans (check out here).So, a CSR-boosted Silver plan might actually have Gold or Platinum-level coverage at a Silver price. Yes, it’s a loophole, and yes, it’s awesome.
When silver makes sense:
You want a balance between premium and coverage
You might qualify for subsidies or CSRs
You want to avoid sky-high deductibles but can’t swing a Gold plan’s monthly cost
Gold/Platinum = the “I Go to the Doctor a Lot” plan
Monthly Premiums: High
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Low
What You Pay vs What Insurance Pays:
You pay ~20% | Insurance pays ~80%
When Gold Makes Sense:
You have chronic conditions, mental health needs, or frequent medical visits
You’d rather pay more upfront (in premiums) and less when you use services
Pro tip: If you qualify for subsidies + CSRs, a Silver plan could give you Gold-level benefits at a cheaper rate.
4. Employer Insurance: Take It or Leave It
If your job offers health insurance, check it out but don’t assume it’s the best deal. Some employer plans have high premiums, while a subsidized marketplace plan might be cheaper. Compare both before committing.
5. Look at High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) + HSAs
HDHPs have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles. If you’re healthy and don’t need frequent care, an HDHP paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) is a smart move. An HSA lets you stash away tax-free money to cover medical expenses. Bonus: The money rolls over year to year. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/high-deductible-health-plan/
6. Short-Term Health Insurance: a last resort
Short-term plans are dirt cheap but come with asterisks: They often don’t cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, or prescriptions. If you’re in a pinch (like between jobs), they can be a temporary fix, but they’re not a long-term solution.
7. Don’t ignore Medicaid
If you’re making under the income limit (varies by state), you could qualify for Medicaid, which offers solid coverage with low to no premiums. It’s worth checking if you’re eligible, especially if you’re freelancing or in between jobs https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/ or check your state medicaid agent
8. Group Plans (freelancers, this one is for you)
If you’re self-employed, check out group plans through freelancer associations, unions, or organizations like the Freelancers Union. Group plans often have better rates than individual ones.
Freelancers Union – Health Insurance Plans https://www.freelancersunion.org/benefits/health/
They offer access to group-rate insurance plans, especially in New York and select other states, plus resources on navigating health coverage for independent workers.
👉 Healthcare.gov – Self-employed Coverage Options https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed/
Explains how self-employed individuals can get marketplace coverage and outlines the differences between individual plans and group plans, including how some associations might offer coverage.
👉 National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/benefits/health-insurance
Offers health insurance solutions, advocacy, and group purchasing power for self-employed workers across the U.S.
9. Don’t forget to shop around every year
Your health needs and income can change, and so can insurance plans. The Open Enrollment Period (typically November-December) is your chance to reassess and switch if needed.
The bottom line
You want a plan that fits your budget and won’t leave you drowning in medical debt if you actually need to use it. Compare your options, check for subsidies, and don’t just go for the cheapest plan without looking at the fine print.
Health insurance is annoying, but future-you will thank present-you for figuring it out now. Check out our other pieces of advice in Healthcare topic