APTC Calculator 2026
Estimate your Advance Premium Tax Credit in seconds. Enter your household size and income to see your monthly ACA subsidy.
The Advance Premium Tax Credit is a federal subsidy that lowers your monthly health insurance premiums on the ACA Marketplace. It's based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This calculator uses the 2026 FPL thresholds and a national average SLCSP benchmark to estimate your credit.
Enter Your Information
Using 2026 Federal Poverty Level thresholds (contiguous US).
2026 FPL for 2 people: $21,150
Use your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, rental income, and most other taxable income.
State affects your actual local SLCSP premium. This calculator uses a national average estimate — your actual credit may differ.
2026 Federal Poverty Level Reference
| Household | 100% FPL | 150% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $23,475 | $62,600 |
| 2 people← yours | $21,150 | $31,725 | $84,600 |
| 3 people | $26,650 | $39,975 | $106,600 |
| 4 people | $32,150 | $48,225 | $128,600 |
| 5 people | $37,650 | $56,475 | $150,600 |
| 6 people | $43,150 | $64,725 | $172,600 |
| 7 people | $48,650 | $72,975 | $194,600 |
| 8 people | $54,150 | $81,225 | $216,600 |
2026 APTC Contribution Brackets
Your required contribution to health insurance premiums as a percentage of household income:
| Income Range | Required Contribution |
|---|---|
| 0 – 100% FPL | 0% (Medicaid eligible in expansion states) |
| 100 – 133% FPL | 0 – 2% |
| 133 – 150% FPL | 2 – 3% |
| 150 – 200% FPL | 3 – 6% |
| 200 – 250% FPL | 6 – 8% |
| 250 – 300% FPL | 8 – 10% |
| 300 – 400% FPL | 10% |
| > 400% FPL | Not eligible (standard APTC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC)?
The APTC is a federal subsidy that reduces your monthly health insurance premium for plans bought on the ACA Marketplace. It's paid directly to your insurer each month so you see the savings immediately — no waiting until tax time.
How is the APTC calculated?
Your credit = the cost of the Second Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) in your area minus your required contribution (a % of your income based on your FPL percentage). If your SLCSP is $600/month and you're required to pay $150/month, your APTC would be $450/month.
What is MAGI and what income counts?
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for ACA purposes includes wages, salary, tips, self-employment income, Social Security benefits (taxable and non-taxable), rental income, and most other income. It does not include gifts, child support, or workers' compensation. Pre-tax 401(k) or HSA contributions reduce it.
Why does my state matter?
SLCSP premiums vary significantly by state, county, and age. This calculator uses a national average estimate of $512/month per person. Your actual local SLCSP — and therefore your actual APTC — could be substantially higher or lower. Check your state's Marketplace for a precise figure.
What if my income changes during the year?
Report income changes to your Marketplace as soon as possible. If your income rises and you received too much APTC, you'll repay the excess at tax time. If it dropped, you may receive additional credit. Use our APTC Income Change Calculator to model mid-year adjustments.
Are subsidies available above 400% FPL?
The IRA 2022 enhanced subsidies removed the hard 400% FPL cap — meaning higher earners could still qualify if their premium would otherwise exceed ~8.5% of income. Check current law for your plan year, as these enhanced subsidies require annual congressional reauthorization.
See How the 2026 Subsidy Cliff Affects You
Enter your income and household size for a personalized premium comparison.
Calculate Your 2026 Premium Impact →