Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR)
Definition current for the 2026 plan year · Last reviewed July 2026
In one sentence: Extra help that lowers deductibles and copays — only on silver plans, only for incomes between 100% and 250% of FPL.
Cost-sharing reductions are the marketplace's best-kept secret: a hidden upgrade that lowers your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum (not your premium), available only if your income is between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level — and only if you pick a silver plan.
The strength tiers for 2026: between 100–150% of FPL (up to $23,475 single), silver plans are boosted to ~94% actuarial value — effectively better than platinum, with deductibles often in the hundreds instead of thousands. Between 150–200%, ~87% AV — still a major upgrade. Between 200–250% (up to $39,125 single), a modest ~73% AV boost.
The rule this creates is the most important sentence on this site: if your income is under 250% of FPL, buy silver. A bronze plan bought to save $30/month can quietly cost you a ~$5,000 deductible reduction. Full math in Bronze vs Silver.