What income qualifies for ACA subsidies?

For tax year 2026, eligibility generally requires household income from 100% through 400% of FPL, along with the other Premium Tax Credit requirements. The temporary above-400% expansion applied only through 2025.

What is the federal poverty level (FPL)?

Marketplace calculations use the poverty guidelines in effect at the start of open enrollment. For 2026 estimates, this tool uses the 2025 guideline: $15,650 for one person in the lower 48 states and DC, plus $5,500 per additional person. Alaska and Hawaii have separate values.

How is the subsidy amount calculated?

The estimate subtracts your expected annual contribution from the benchmark Silver premium. For 2026, IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25 sets applicable percentages from 2.10% below 133% FPL up to 9.96% at 300–400% FPL, with interpolation within the specified bands.

What is the benchmark Silver plan?

The second-lowest-cost Silver plan available to you in your county sets the benchmark for subsidy calculations. Actual Silver plan premiums vary by region and age. Use HealthCare.gov to find the real benchmark for your area.

Does this calculator account for Medicaid eligibility?

No. If your income is below 138% FPL and your state has expanded Medicaid, you likely qualify for Medicaid rather than Marketplace subsidies. This tool estimates Marketplace subsidies only — check your state Medicaid program separately.

How accurate is this estimate?

This tool uses the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines and the IRS 2026 applicable-percentage table. Actual eligibility also depends on tax filing status, access to other coverage, immigration exceptions, and the exact benchmark premium, so treat this as a planning estimate.

Health Insurance Subsidy Calculator

Enter your household income and family size to estimate your ACA Marketplace premium tax credit and out-of-pocket premium.

Your Household Details

Annual Household Income (before taxes)

Household Size

State

Benchmark Silver Plan Premium (monthly) — 2nd lowest Silver in your area

Leave blank to use the national average estimate (~$450/mo for 1 adult).

Subsidy Estimate

Fill in your details and click
Calculate Subsidy

2025 Federal Poverty Level Reference Used for 2026 (lower 48 + DC)

Household Size	100% FPL	138% FPL (Medicaid line)	400% FPL

Summary

Enter your household income and family size to estimate your ACA Marketplace premium tax credit and out-of-pocket premium.

How it works

Enter your total annual household income before taxes.
Select your household size (number of people on the plan).
Choose your state to apply the 2025 federal poverty guideline used for 2026 Marketplace tax-credit estimates.
Enter the benchmark Silver plan monthly premium in your area (or use the default estimate).
Click Calculate to see your FPL percentage, estimated subsidy, and net monthly premium.

Use cases

Estimating monthly health insurance costs when shopping on HealthCare.gov.
Understanding whether your income qualifies you for ACA premium tax credits.
Planning income changes (new job, freelance) and their effect on your subsidy.
Comparing subsidy amounts for different household sizes during open enrollment.
Checking whether your estimated income is near the 2026 eligibility ceiling of 400% FPL.
Budgeting annual health insurance expenses as a self-employed individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-19 · Reviewed by Nham Vu