Second-lowest-cost Silver plan (SLCSP): what it is and what it costs (2026)
The second-lowest-cost Silver plan, or benchmark plan, is the price your marketplace tax credit is figured from. For one 40-year-old before tax credits it is $664 a month in the typical U.S. county in 2026.
What it is
It is the second-lowest-priced marketplace plan in the Silver category that applies to you, and it may not be the plan you enrolled in. You need its premium to figure out your final premium tax credit (HealthCare.gov glossary: Second lowest cost Silver plan (SLCSP)).
Finding yours for your taxes
In most cases your SLCSP premium is on Form 1095-A, which the marketplace sends early in the year; you can also get it from the HealthCare.gov tax tool (HealthCare.gov: tax tool (find your SLCSP)). You use it on Form 8962 to reconcile your tax credit (HealthCare.gov: How to use Form 1095-A). The figures below are for one 40-year-old and show what to expect; for your tax return, use the official ones.
Benchmark Silver plan by state, 2026
| State | Typical county | Lowest county | Highest county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $639 | $598 | $686 |
| Alaska | $1,056 | $1,003 | $1,056 |
| Arizona | $713 | $449 | $1,048 |
| Arkansas | $774 | $774 | $774 |
| California | $785 | $459 | $1,098 |
| Colorado | $705 | $509 | $895 |
| Connecticut | $864 | $799 | $935 |
| Delaware | $692 | $692 | $692 |
| District of Columbia | $610 | $610 | $610 |
| Florida | $699 | $572 | $1,278 |
| Georgia | $589 | $488 | $755 |
| Hawaii | $543 | $543 | $543 |
| Idaho | $497 | $478 | $515 |
| Illinois | $1,060 | $505 | $1,318 |
| Indiana | $473 | $446 | $516 |
| Iowa | $525 | $453 | $621 |
| Kansas | $719 | $579 | $959 |
| Kentucky | $641 | $525 | $781 |
| Louisiana | $729 | $562 | $801 |
| Maine | $735 | $675 | $755 |
| Maryland | $414 | $414 | $414 |
| Massachusetts | $489 | $476 | $889 |
| Michigan | $614 | $388 | $910 |
| Minnesota | $505 | $387 | $662 |
| Mississippi | $700 | $602 | $709 |
| Missouri | $715 | $532 | $791 |
| Montana | $716 | $561 | $757 |
| Nebraska | $785 | $642 | $834 |
| Nevada | $830 | $470 | $830 |
| New Hampshire | $414 | $388 | $440 |
| New Jersey | $545 | $545 | $545 |
| New Mexico | $734 | $524 | $734 |
| New York | $722 | $596 | $1,061 |
| North Carolina | $686 | $546 | $845 |
| North Dakota | $628 | $456 | $639 |
| Ohio | $536 | $483 | $669 |
| Oklahoma | $592 | $564 | $818 |
| Oregon | $623 | $510 | $626 |
| Pennsylvania | $650 | $468 | $999 |
| Rhode Island | $506 | $506 | $506 |
| South Carolina | $556 | $461 | $665 |
| South Dakota | $709 | $514 | $774 |
| Tennessee | $716 | $654 | $794 |
| Texas | $724 | $564 | $963 |
| Utah | $878 | $574 | $1,014 |
| Vermont | $1,299 | $1,299 | $1,299 |
| Virginia | $494 | $439 | $499 |
| Washington | $601 | $565 | $698 |
| West Virginia | $1,094 | $944 | $1,175 |
| Wisconsin | $631 | $542 | $778 |
| Wyoming | $1,104 | $1,027 | $1,104 |
Monthly premium, one 40-year-old, before tax credits. In each county: the second-lowest Silver premium in its rating area (the lowest one where a county spans several); typical = median county (CMS public use files (plan year prices), as processed on our methodology page). Open a state for the benchmark in every county.
Benchmark by age
| Age | Benchmark, typical U.S. county |
|---|---|
| 21 | $519 |
| 30 | $589 |
| 40 | $664 |
| 50 | $928 |
| 60 | $1,410 |
| 64 and older | $1,558 |
The typical county benchmark at 40 times the federal default age curve (CMS: state specific age curve variations), used in 42 states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the second lowest cost Silver plan?
The second-lowest-priced marketplace plan in the Silver category that applies to you. It may not be the plan you enrolled in. Its premium is used to figure your premium tax credit (HealthCare.gov).
How do I find my SLCSP for my taxes?
In most cases it is on Form 1095-A, which the marketplace sends early in the year after you had a marketplace plan. You can also get it from the HealthCare.gov tax tool. You need it to complete Form 8962 (HealthCare.gov). Use those official figures for your taxes, not the examples on this page.
What is the second lowest cost Silver plan premium in 2026?
It depends on where you live, your age and who is in your household. For one 40-year-old before tax credits it is $664 a month in the typical U.S. county, from $414 in the typical New Hampshire county to $1,299 in Vermont.
Does the SLCSP matter if I bought a Bronze or Gold plan?
Yes. Your tax credit is figured from the SLCSP premium whichever plan you choose, so the benchmark applies even if you enrolled in another plan (HealthCare.gov).