ACA Subsidy Calculator 2026
Last updated: March 19, 2026
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired December 31, 2025. Enter your income, household size, and state to see how much more you'll pay in 2026 — the average unsubsidized Silver plan costs $600–$800/month for a single adult.
How Does the ACA Subsidy Calculator Work?
This free calculator estimates your ACA premium tax credit for 2026 based on your household income (MAGI), household size, ages, and state. It compares what you paid in 2025 with enhanced subsidies to what you'll owe in 2026 under the original subsidy formula with the cliff at 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Our calculations follow the methodology published by the HealthCare.gov Premium Tax Credit guidelines.
Enter your information below to see your estimated monthly premium, subsidy amount, and whether you fall above or below the subsidy cliff. Results update instantly — no sign-up required. For official enrollment, visit HealthCare.gov.
What Will Health Insurance Cost in 2026 With vs. Without ACA Subsidies?
| Scenario | 2025 Premium | 2026 Premium | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, 40, $50K | ~$250/mo | ~$375/mo | +$1,500/yr |
| Single, 40, $65K | ~$350/mo | ~$750/mo (no subsidy) | +$4,800/yr |
| Family of 4, $100K | ~$550/mo | ~$700/mo | +$1,800/yr |
| Family of 4, $130K | ~$650/mo | ~$2,000/mo (no subsidy) | +$16,200/yr |
Estimates for benchmark Silver plan. Actual costs vary by state, age, and county.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACA Subsidies
What income is too high for ACA subsidies in 2026?
In 2026, you lose all ACA subsidies if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds 400% of the Federal Poverty Level: $62,160 for a single person, $83,700 for a household of 2, $105,240 for a household of 3, and $128,280 for a family of 4.
What is the ACA premium tax credit?
The ACA premium tax credit is a federal subsidy that lowers your monthly health insurance premium on a Marketplace plan. It equals the difference between the benchmark Silver plan cost in your area and a set percentage of your household income. In 2026, credits are available for incomes between 100% and 400% FPL.
How much does health insurance cost without subsidies?
Without subsidies in 2026, a benchmark Silver plan costs roughly $600–$800/month for a single 40-year-old, varying by state. Families of four typically pay $1,500–$2,500/month. Older adults near 64 may face $1,200–$1,800/month for individual coverage.
Can I lower my income to qualify for ACA subsidies?
Yes. Legal strategies to reduce your MAGI include traditional 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026), HSA contributions ($4,300/$8,550), and deductible IRA contributions ($7,000/$8,000 if 50+). See our guide to reducing MAGI for all 7 strategies.
What is the ACA subsidy cliff?
The ACA subsidy cliff is the income threshold at which your premium tax credit drops to zero. In 2026, the cliff is at 400% FPL: $62,160 for a single person, $83,700 for a couple, $128,280 for a family of four. Unlike a gradual phase-out, earning $1 over the threshold eliminates your entire subsidy — potentially costing $5,000–$15,000 per year.
Did ACA subsidies expire in 2025?
The enhanced subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act expired December 31, 2025. The original ACA subsidy structure remains for 2026 but uses the pre-2021 formula with the cliff at 400% FPL. Roughly 22 million people who received enhanced subsidies now face higher premiums, and about 4 million above 400% FPL lose all subsidies entirely.
How can I reduce my income to qualify for ACA subsidies in 2026?
You can legally reduce your MAGI using traditional 401(k) contributions ($23,500, or $31,000 if 50+), HSA contributions ($4,300/$8,550), deductible IRA contributions ($7,000/$8,000 if 50+), SEP-IRA for self-employed (up to $70,000), and strategic income timing. See our complete MAGI reduction guide.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Actual premiums, subsidies, and eligibility may vary based on your specific circumstances, location, and available plans. We are not licensed insurance agents or brokers. For official information, visit HealthCare.gov or contact a licensed insurance professional. This site is not affiliated with the U.S. government, CMS, or any insurance company.