ACA Subsidy Calculator
Find out how much you could save on health insurance. Enter your household details below to estimate your 2026 premium tax credit.
Understanding ACA Subsidies in 2026
The premium tax credit helps make health insurance affordable. Here's what you need to know.
Income-Based Savings
Your subsidy is calculated based on your household income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Lower income means a larger subsidy and lower monthly premiums.
The 2026 Subsidy Cliff
The enhanced subsidies from the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. In 2026, the 400% FPL income cap is back: earn over this amount and you receive zero subsidy.
Benchmark Silver Plan
Your subsidy is based on the cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area. You can apply the credit to any metal tier, but the subsidy amount stays the same.
Income Limits for 2026 Coverage
For 2026 plans, your income is compared against the 2025 FPL guidelines.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $23,475 | $31,300 | $39,125 | $46,950 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $31,725 | $42,300 | $52,875 | $63,450 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $39,975 | $53,300 | $66,625 | $79,950 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $48,225 | $64,300 | $80,375 | $96,450 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $56,475 | $75,300 | $94,125 | $112,950 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $64,725 | $86,300 | $107,875 | $129,450 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $72,975 | $97,300 | $121,625 | $145,950 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $81,225 | $108,300 | $135,375 | $162,450 | $216,600 |
2026 Applicable Percentage Table
This is the percentage of your income you're expected to pay toward the benchmark Silver plan. The subsidy covers the rest.
| Income as % of FPL | Initial % | Final % | What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 150% | 0.00% | 4.12% | Lowest cost — may pay $0 or near-zero for a Silver plan |
| 150% – 200% | 4.12% | 6.52% | Significant subsidy — you pay 4-6% of income |
| 200% – 250% | 6.52% | 8.33% | Moderate subsidy — you pay 6-8% of income |
| 250% – 300% | 8.33% | 9.83% | Smaller subsidy — you pay 8-10% of income |
| 300% – 400% | 9.83% | 9.94% | Near maximum contribution — approximately 10% of income |
| Over 400% | No subsidy | Full premium with no financial assistance (the subsidy cliff) | |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25, Section 36B applicable percentage table for taxable years beginning in 2026. Percentages are indexed annually for inflation.
State-Specific Subsidy Factors
Several factors vary by state and can affect your subsidy amount and options.
✅ Medicaid Expansion States
In states that expanded Medicaid, adults with income up to 138% FPL qualify for Medicaid instead of marketplace subsidies. This means the marketplace subsidy kicks in at 139% FPL.
Expanded: AR, AZ, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, OH, OK, OR
⚠️ Non-Expansion States
In states that did not expand Medicaid, there can be a "coverage gap" for adults earning below 100% FPL who don't qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies.
Not Expanded: AL, FL, GA, KS, MS, SC, TN, TX
🏠 Benchmark Premiums Vary by Location
The second-lowest-cost Silver plan (benchmark) varies dramatically by state and county. For example, average Silver plan premiums in our covered states range from $390/mo (Massachusetts, Michigan) to $530/mo (Montana, Nebraska). Rural areas often have higher premiums, which means higher subsidies. Your actual subsidy depends on the benchmark premium in your specific area.