ACA Health Insurance Subsidy Calculator
Enter your household income and size to see your estimated premium tax credit and plan costs.
Household Information
Estimated Monthly Subsidy
$938/mo
$11,257/year · Income at 206% FPL
Your Expected Cost
$102/mo
Silver Benchmark
$1,040/mo
FPL %
206%
Estimated Monthly Premiums (After Subsidy)
Bronze
$0
60% coverage
Silver ★
$102
70% coverage
CSR: 73% AV
Gold
$258
80% coverage
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) Available
At 206% FPL, you qualify for a Silver plan with 73% actuarial value — lower deductibles and copays than a standard Silver plan. CSR is only available on Silver-tier plans.
Income Analysis
Disclaimer
- Estimates based on projected 2026 ACA rules and national average premiums.
- Actual premiums vary significantly by state, county, and plan.
- Visit HealthCare.gov for official plan options and pricing.
- Medicaid eligibility depends on your state's expansion status.
How ACA Subsidies Work
The Premium Tax Credit (PTC) is a subsidy that lowers your monthly health insurance premium on the ACA marketplace (HealthCare.gov or your state exchange). The subsidy is based on your income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and the cost of the second-lowest Silver plan (benchmark) in your area. You don't pay the full premium — you pay a capped percentage of your income, and the government covers the rest.
2026 Income Limits and Expected Contributions
| Income (% of FPL) | Expected Premium Payment | Example (Family of 3) |
|---|---|---|
| 100-150% | $0 (no premium cost) | $15,650-$23,475 |
| 150-200% | 0-2% of income | $23,475-$31,300 |
| 200-250% | 2-4% of income | $31,300-$39,125 |
| 250-300% | 4-6% of income | $39,125-$46,950 |
| 300-400% | 6-8.5% of income | $46,950-$62,600 |
| 400%+ | 8.5% cap | $62,600+ |
Bronze vs Silver vs Gold Plans
- Bronze (60% AV) — lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket. Best if you rarely use healthcare.
- Silver (70% AV) — moderate premiums, eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) if income <250% FPL. Often the best value.
- Gold (80% AV) — higher premiums, lower copays and deductibles. Best if you use healthcare frequently.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)
If your income is below 250% FPL, Silver plans come with extra benefits: lower deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. A Silver plan at 150% FPL has 94% actuarial value (better than Platinum). CSR is only available on Silver plans — one reason Silver is often recommended for lower-income households.
What Is MAGI?
ACA uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI): your AGI plus tax-exempt interest, foreign income, and non-taxable Social Security benefits. MAGI determines both subsidy eligibility and Medicaid qualification. Retirement account contributions (Traditional IRA, 401k) reduce MAGI, which can increase your subsidy.
HealthCare.gov — Apply for Coverage→Frequently Asked Questions
What if I underestimate my income?
If your actual income is higher than estimated, you may have to repay some or all of the subsidy when you file taxes. If income drops and you become Medicaid-eligible mid-year, you may need to switch coverage. Report income changes promptly to avoid surprises.
Can I get a subsidy if my employer offers insurance?
Generally no, unless your employer's plan is "unaffordable" (costs more than 9.02% of your household income for the cheapest self-only plan) or provides "minimum value" coverage below 60% actuarial value.
When is open enrollment?
Open enrollment typically runs from November 1 through January 15. Outside this window, you need a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, having a baby, moving) to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.
Check if you qualify for other benefits with our Benefits Eligibility Checker.