Reviewed by BeneHub's licensed advisor team · Agency NPN 21324782 · Updated October 2026
The 400% line for 2027
Above 400% of the federal poverty level, there's no ACA subsidy at all. Using the 2026 guidelines, that's about:
- $63,840 for a single person
- $86,560 for a couple
- $132,000 for a family of four
Level-funded PPO plans
Level-funded plans are built for business owners and the self-employed. You pay a fixed monthly amount, and the plan funds claims behind the scenes.
Some use a large carrier PPO network. For example, the Ameristead Diamond plan uses the Cigna PPO network and has a $0 deductible.
- Level monthly rates
- Real carrier PPO card
- Health questions apply
Private underwritten PPOs
Individual private PPOs are another route. Healthy applicants often pay less than a full-price exchange plan, and coverage can start any month.
HSA-eligible options
Some private and exchange plans are HSA-eligible. With one, you can put money into a health savings account before tax.
- Contributions lower your taxable income.
- Growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
- Unused money rolls over every year.
The self-employed health insurance deduction
If you're self-employed with a net profit, you can generally deduct health insurance premiums for yourself and your family. It's taken above the line, so it lowers your adjusted gross income.
General information, not tax advice. Ask your tax professional how it applies to you.
Can you get back under the line?
Sometimes. Retirement contributions such as a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k) reduce the income used for subsidies.
Run both scenarios in our calculator before you decide.
Questions business owners should ask
Level-funded and private plans differ more than exchange plans do, so compare carefully. Ask each option the same questions.
If you have employees, ask whether the plan can grow with your business or must be replaced when you hire.
- Which network is on the card, and are my doctors in it?
- Is the rate fixed for the year, and how is renewal priced?
- Is the plan HSA-eligible?
- What health questions are asked, and for whom?
- Can I add employees later?
Covering a family on a high income
Family premiums climb fast without a subsidy. Each person adds cost, though exchange pricing only counts the three oldest children under 21.
With private and level-funded plans, every family member may answer health questions. One person's history can affect the whole household's options.
- Compare family and individual-plus-children rates
- Check pediatric dental and vision options separately
- Confirm every family member's doctors are in network
- Ask how a new baby would be added mid-year
Talk it through with a licensed advisor
An advisor can compare a level-funded PPO, an individual private plan and a full-price exchange plan for your household, side by side.
We'll check your doctors, prescriptions and state availability before you apply. If staying on the exchange makes more sense, we'll say so.
- No fee to you
- Same premium whether you use us or not
- Licensed in your state
Who this is NOT for
- Anyone who can get under 400% of the poverty level and qualify for a subsidy
- People with serious health conditions — health questions apply
- W-2 employees with access to an affordable employer plan
- Anyone 65 or older