Author here. This piece tries to separate two numbers people mix up: (1) the premium insurers charge, and (2) what households pay after premium tax credits. It

Author here. This piece tries to separate two numbers people mix up: (1) the premium insurers charge, and (2) what households pay after premium tax credits. It includes a simple table of cost metrics, “receipt-style” scenarios (CHCF examples), and the sleeper issues that change real annual spend: deductibles, CSRs, drug tiers, and tax credit reconciliation (1095-A / Form 8962). Primary sources are linked throughout the article.