What changed for 2026 and 2027 coverage
From 2021 through 2025 nobody paid more than 8.5% of income for the benchmark silver plan and there was no upper income limit. Those rules expired after 2025. For 2026 coverage the expected contribution runs from 2.10% to 9.96% of income, for 2027 from 2.15% to 10.22%, and in both years a household over 400% of the poverty level gets no credit at all. The ACA subsidy calculator shows your credit and how far you are from the cliff; the federal poverty level calculator shows every income threshold for your household.
2026 poverty level thresholds for 2027 coverage
2027 Marketplace coverage uses the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines ($15,960 for one person plus $5,680 per additional person in the 48 states and DC). Medicaid in expansion states covers adults up to 138%; the premium tax credit covers 100% to 400%. Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines.
| Household | 100% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
For 2026 coverage (and the 2026 tax return) the 2025 guidelines apply instead: $15,650 plus $5,500 per person, so the 400% line is $62,600 for one person and $128,600 for four.
How the premium tax credit works
The credit is the premium of the second lowest cost silver plan for your household minus the share of income the IRS table expects you to pay. One person earning $40,000 in 2027 is at 250% of the poverty level, so they are expected to pay 8.66% of income, $289 a month; if the benchmark plan costs $600, the credit is $311 a month. The credit is the same dollar amount on any metal level, is paid in advance to the insurer, and is settled on Form 8962 with your actual income after the year ends.
Questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?
It opened on November 1, 2026. Check HealthCare.gov or your state's exchange for the last day to enroll, because state-run exchanges set their own deadlines and coverage that starts January 1 needs an earlier sign-up.
Are the ACA subsidies still available in 2027?
Yes, the original premium tax credit is still law. What ended after 2025 is the enhancement: the 8.5% cap on contributions and the removal of the 400% income limit.
What is the income limit for ACA subsidies in 2027?
400% of the 2026 poverty guidelines: $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four in the 48 states and DC, more in Alaska and Hawaii. One dollar over means no credit.
What income do the calculators use?
Modified adjusted gross income for everyone on your tax return: adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest, nontaxable Social Security and excluded foreign income.
Are these calculators official estimates?
No. They follow the IRS table and HHS guidelines exactly, but the Marketplace determines your actual credit when you apply, and the IRS reconciles it on Form 8962.
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