How to find the benchmark Silver premium (SLCSP)
Find the second-lowest-cost Silver plan premium used by the ACA credit calculator without confusing it with the premium for the plan you selected.
For a completed coverage year, use Form 1095-A Part III, column B: line 33 for an annual amount when all months are the same, or lines 21 through 32 when monthly amounts differ. For planning, use the Marketplace plan comparison for the same household, ages, location, and coverage months.
Why this premium is different
The benchmark is the second-lowest-cost Silver plan that applies to the tax household. It may not be the plan the household enrolled in. The credit formula compares this benchmark with the household's expected contribution, then limits the credit by the actual enrollment premium.
Where to find the final tax-year amount
HealthCare.gov identifies the SLCSP in Part III, column B of Form 1095-A. Line 33 is the annual total; lines 21 through 32 show monthly amounts. If column B is missing or incorrect, use the official HealthCare.gov tax tool or contact a state-based Marketplace.
How to make a planning estimate
- Use the same ZIP code, household members, ages, and coverage months as the expected Marketplace application.
- Identify the second-lowest-cost Silver option that covers those household members.
- Enter its full annual premium before advance credits, or add the applicable monthly amounts when the premium changes.
- Recheck the amount after rates or household details change.
HealthCare.gov SLCSP guidance explains the term, and the official tax forms and tools page links the lookup tool.