ACA Subsidy Calculator 2026
Your 2026 ACA premium tax credit — income as a share of the poverty line, the applicable percentage (2.10%–9.96%, enhanced credits expired), expected contribution, monthly credit, net premium, cost-sharing reductions and how close you are to the 400% cliff.
| Income as % of the federal poverty line | — |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | — |
| Applicable percentage | — |
| Expected contribution | — |
| Premium tax credit | — |
| Your net premium on the benchmark Silver plan | — |
| Net premium on your chosen plan | — |
| Cost-sharing reductions | — |
| The 400% cliff | — |
| Credit at other incomes | — |
In short
The 2026 premium tax credit equals the benchmark second-lowest-cost Silver premium minus an expected contribution of 2.10% of income at 100% of the poverty line rising to 9.96% at 300–400% FPL; the enhanced 2021–2025 credits expired, so households above 400% of the 2025 poverty line ($62,600 single, $128,600 for four) get nothing in 2026. Incomes up to 250% FPL also get cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, and pre-tax retirement or HSA contributions can keep MAGI under the cliff.
Who this is for: Self-employed, early-retired and uninsured Americans shopping 2026 marketplace coverage.
2026 premium tax credit rules
| Income (% of poverty line) | Expected contribution (% of income) |
|---|---|
| 100% – under 133% | 2.10% |
| 133% – under 150% | 3.14% – 4.19% |
| 150% – under 200% | 4.19% – 6.60% |
| 200% – under 250% | 6.60% – 8.44% |
| 250% – under 300% | 8.44% – 9.96% |
| 300% – 400% | 9.96% |
| Over 400% | No credit |
- 2025 poverty line (used for 2026 coverage): $15,650 for one person plus $5,500 per additional person (higher in Alaska and Hawaii). 400% is $62,600 for a single person and $128,600 for a family of four.
- What changed for 2026: the enhanced credits of 2021–2025 (0% contribution up to 150% FPL, 8.5% cap above 400%) expired, so expected contributions roughly doubled for many enrollees and the 400% cliff is back.
- Cost-sharing reductions lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums on Silver plans for incomes up to 250% FPL.
- Managing the cliff: traditional IRA, HSA and pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce MAGI; a $1 overshoot can cost thousands.
See also: Medicare IRMAA Calculator 2026.
Assumptions
- Poverty line = 2025 guideline for the household size and state; FPL ratio = MAGI ÷ poverty line.
- Applicable percentage interpolated linearly within each 2026 band; contribution = MAGI × percentage ÷ 12; credit = benchmark − contribution, not below zero.
- No credit below 100% FPL (Medicaid below 138% in expansion states) or above 400% FPL.
Worked example
Poverty line for two is $21,150, so income is 227% FPL — eligible. Applicable percentage 7.59% → expected contribution $304 a month. Credit = $1,150 − $304 = $846 a month ($10,156 a year); the benchmark plan costs $304 net and the $900 plan $54. Income is in the 200–250% band, so Silver plans come with 73% cost-sharing reductions. The cliff is at $84,600; at that income the credit would still be $448 a month, and $1 more would lose all of it.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the premium tax credit in 2026?
Households with income between 100% and 400% of the poverty line (138%–400% in Medicaid-expansion states) who buy marketplace coverage and lack affordable employer insurance or Medicare.
What is the income limit for ACA subsidies in 2026?
400% of the 2025 poverty line: $62,600 for one person, $84,600 for two, $106,600 for three, $128,600 for four (48 states).
Why did my subsidy drop for 2026?
The enhanced credits from the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expired after 2025, raising expected contributions and restoring the 400% cutoff.
What happens if I earn more than I estimated?
You repay excess advance credit at tax time (capped for incomes under 400% FPL; fully repayable above). Update the marketplace when income changes.
Does the credit cover a Bronze plan entirely?
Often, especially for older enrollees — any credit beyond the plan's premium is lost, so compare Silver with cost-sharing reductions before choosing Bronze.
Can I get the credit if my employer offers insurance?
Only if the employer's self-only coverage costs more than 9.96% of household income in 2026 or fails minimum value; family members use the family-coverage cost test.
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