# EnrollMath

> Free HSA vs PPO break-even calculator with 2026–2027 IRS limits, plus COBRA cost and employer plan vs marketplace comparison with a tax credit estimate.

URL: https://enrollmath.com/
Last updated: 2026-10-14
Cost: free, no signup, runs in the browser.

## Key facts
- 2027 HSA limits: $4,500 self-only, $9,000 family, +$1,000 catch-up at 55+ (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-24). 2026: $4,400 / $8,750 (Rev. Proc. 2025-19).
- 2027 HDHP: minimum deductible $1,750 / $3,500; out-of-pocket max $8,700 / $17,400. 2026: $1,700 / $3,400; $8,500 / $17,000.
- From 2026, bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans are HSA-eligible (IRS Notice 2026-5).
- ACA affordability (required contribution percentage): 9.96% for 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-25), 10.22% for 2027 (Rev. Proc. 2026-26).
- COBRA: up to 102% of total plan cost (150% in disability extension months 19-29); generally 18 months after job loss (U.S. Department of Labor).
- Net annual cost of an HSA plan = premiums + out-of-pocket - employer HSA contribution - tax saved on your HSA contributions.
- Worked example: HSA plan $80/mo premium, $3,000 deductible, 20% coinsurance, $6,000 OOP max, $500 employer HSA, $2,000 own HSA at 22% + 7.65% FICA vs PPO $200/mo, $1,000 deductible, 20%, $4,000 OOP max. At $2,000 of care the HSA plan nets $1,867 vs $3,600 for the PPO.

## Tools (one page each)
- [HSA vs PPO calculator](https://enrollmath.com/hsa-vs-ppo/): Free HSA vs PPO calculator. Pick how often you see a doctor, enter premiums and deductibles, and see which plan costs less after taxes and employer HSA money. How it works: Yearly cost = premiums + your share of care − employer HSA money − tax savings on your HSA deposits, at every level of spending.
- [Compare 2–4 plans](https://enrollmath.com/compare-plans/): Compare two to four health plans side by side. Enter premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket max to see yearly cost at low, medium and high use. How it works: Each plan’s yearly cost = premiums + deductible and coinsurance up to the out-of-pocket max − employer HSA/HRA money.
- [COBRA cost calculator](https://enrollmath.com/cobra-calculator/): Estimate your COBRA premium (full plan cost + 2% fee) from what you and your employer pay now, and compare it with a marketplace plan for the months you need. How it works: COBRA = what you pay now + what your employer pays + a 2% admin fee (150% in disability months). We add deductible already met versus starting over.
- [Marketplace vs job plan](https://enrollmath.com/marketplace-vs-employer/): Check whether your job-based plan counts as affordable, estimate your marketplace premium tax credit for 2026 or 2027, and compare yearly costs. How it works: We apply the IRS affordability percentage to your income, then the premium tax credit table for your poverty-level band, using the benchmark silver plan.
- [HSA per-paycheck calculator](https://enrollmath.com/hsa-paycheck-calculator/): Find the HSA contribution per paycheck that reaches the 2026 or 2027 maximum, after employer money and catch-up, for weekly, biweekly, semimonthly or monthly pay. How it works: (IRS limit − employer money − what you already put in) ÷ paychecks left. Tax savings include 7.65% FICA when you contribute through payroll.

## Guides
- [HSA limits 2026](https://enrollmath.com/hsa-contribution-limits-2026/): 2026 HSA contribution limits are $4,400 for self-only and $8,750 for family coverage, plus $1,000 at 55. HDHP limits included.
- [Affordability rule 2026](https://enrollmath.com/employer-coverage-affordability-2026/): For 2026 plan years, employer coverage is “affordable” if the employee-only premium is 9.96% of household income or less. What it means for marketplace tax credits.
- [Tax credit table 2026](https://enrollmath.com/premium-tax-credit-table-2026/): The 2026 applicable percentage table for marketplace premium tax credits: what share of income you are expected to pay at each poverty level, with worked examples.
- [Poverty level for 2026 coverage](https://enrollmath.com/federal-poverty-level-2026/): Poverty level income amounts used for 2026 marketplace coverage (from the 2025 HHS guidelines), at 100%, 138%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300% and 400% by household size.
- [HSA limits 2027](https://enrollmath.com/hsa-contribution-limits-2027/): 2027 HSA contribution limits are $4,500 for self-only and $9,000 for family coverage, plus $1,000 at 55. HDHP limits included.
- [Affordability rule 2027](https://enrollmath.com/employer-coverage-affordability-2027/): For 2027 plan years, employer coverage is “affordable” if the employee-only premium is 10.22% of household income or less. What it means for marketplace tax credits.
- [Tax credit table 2027](https://enrollmath.com/premium-tax-credit-table-2027/): The 2027 applicable percentage table for marketplace premium tax credits: what share of income you are expected to pay at each poverty level, with worked examples.
- [Poverty level for 2027 coverage](https://enrollmath.com/federal-poverty-level-2027/): Poverty level income amounts used for 2027 marketplace coverage (from the 2026 HHS guidelines), at 100%, 138%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300% and 400% by household size.
- [Is an HSA worth it?](https://enrollmath.com/is-an-hsa-worth-it/): Whether an HSA is worth it: the triple tax break, investing for retirement, when a high deductible hurts, and how to check with your own numbers.
- [HSA vs FSA](https://enrollmath.com/hsa-vs-fsa/): HSA vs FSA side by side: eligibility, rollover, ownership, investing, and how to decide. Includes 2027 HSA limits.
- [HSA catch-up at 55](https://enrollmath.com/hsa-catch-up-contributions/): How the $1,000 HSA catch-up contribution works from age 55, including the rule that each spouse needs their own HSA, and what changes at Medicare.
- [Bronze plans & HSAs (2026)](https://enrollmath.com/bronze-plans-hsa-eligible/): From 2026, bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans count as HSA-eligible (IRS Notice 2026-5). What it means for HSA contributions and plan choice.
- [Family glitch fix](https://enrollmath.com/family-glitch/): How the family glitch fix works: family members are tested on the cost of family coverage, so many can get marketplace tax credits even if the employee cannot.
- [COBRA FAQ](https://enrollmath.com/cobra-faq/): Plain answers to COBRA questions: the 102% cost rule, 18/29/36 months, 60-day election and 45-day payment deadlines, and switching to the marketplace.
- [COBRA vs marketplace](https://enrollmath.com/cobra-vs-marketplace/): How to compare COBRA with an ACA marketplace plan: premium at 102%, deductible already met, tax credits, networks, and a calculator for the rest of the year.
- [How COBRA cost is calculated](https://enrollmath.com/cobra-cost-calculator/): COBRA costs up to 102% of the total plan premium. How to find the total premium (W-2 code DD), examples and a calculator.
- [Health plan calculators compared](https://enrollmath.com/health-plan-calculators-compared/): Free health plan calculators side by side: which cover 2027 limits, COBRA deductible carry-over, tax credits from your own quote, charts and share links.
- [Open enrollment checklist](https://enrollmath.com/open-enrollment-checklist/): A 10-step open enrollment checklist: estimate your care, compare total cost not premiums, check networks and drugs, use HSA money and avoid common mistakes.
- [Open enrollment deadlines 2027](https://enrollmath.com/open-enrollment-deadlines-2027/): Key 2027 open enrollment dates: HealthCare.gov Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027 (Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage), Medicare Oct 15 to Dec 7, and employer windows.

## FAQ
### What are the HSA contribution limits for 2027?
For 2027 the IRS HSA contribution limit is $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage (Rev. Proc. 2026-24). People 55 or older can contribute an extra $1,000. Employer contributions count toward the limit.

### What are the HSA contribution limits for 2026?
For 2026 the limit is $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up at age 55 or older (Rev. Proc. 2025-19).

### What counts as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) in 2027?
For 2027 an HDHP must have a deductible of at least $1,750 (self-only) or $3,500 (family) and an out-of-pocket maximum no higher than $8,700 or $17,400. For 2026 the figures are $1,700/$3,400 and $8,500/$17,000. Starting in 2026, bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans also count as HSA-eligible (IRS Notice 2026-5).

### How do I find the break-even point between an HSA plan and a PPO?
Add each plan's yearly premiums and the out-of-pocket cost at a given level of medical spending, then subtract employer HSA money and the tax you save on HSA contributions from the HSA plan. The break-even is the spending level where the two totals are equal. Below it the HSA plan usually costs less; above it the PPO may.

### How much tax does an HSA save?
HSA contributions are not subject to federal income tax, and payroll contributions also skip 7.65% Social Security and Medicare tax. At a 22% federal rate plus 7.65% FICA, $2,000 of payroll HSA contributions saves about $593. Most states also exempt them; California and New Jersey do not.

### How much does COBRA cost?
COBRA can cost up to 102% of the full plan premium, meaning your share plus your former employer's share plus a 2% administrative fee. During an 11-month disability extension it can be up to 150%. Coverage after a job loss generally lasts up to 18 months.

### Is COBRA or a marketplace plan cheaper?
It depends on your income and how much of your deductible you have already met. A marketplace plan may be much cheaper if a lower income qualifies you for a premium tax credit, but switching mid-year resets your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum to zero. COBRA keeps your current plan and progress.

### What does 'affordable' employer coverage mean?
For plan years starting in 2027, employer coverage is generally considered affordable if the employee-only premium for the lowest-cost plan is no more than 10.22% of household income (9.96% for 2026). If your employer plan is affordable and meets minimum value, you usually cannot get a premium tax credit for yourself.

### Who qualifies for a premium tax credit in 2026?
For 2026 coverage, households with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level generally qualify if they lack affordable employer coverage. The enhanced credits expired at the end of 2025, so there is no credit above 400% of the poverty level. For one person that line is $62,600 in 2026 (400% of $15,650).

### Is this insurance advice?
No. These calculators are general education using simplified math. They do not know your plan's network, drug list or exact rules. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage and talk with a licensed professional before you decide.

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