Full ACA income limits table for 2026 by household size. See if your income qualifies for premium tax credits, how the subsidy is calculated, and how to apply.
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⚡ Quick Summary
- ACA subsidies in 2026 require income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level — the enhanced pandemic-era rules expired January 1, 2026.
- Single person: qualify between $15,060 and $60,240. Family of 4: between $31,200 and $124,800.
- Income is measured by your MAGI — wages, gig income, investments, and most other sources all count.
- If your income is below 138% FPL and your state expanded Medicaid, you likely get free Medicaid instead of a marketplace subsidy.
- Use the free ACA calculator to see your exact subsidy amount in seconds.
If you're trying to figure out whether you qualify for help paying for health insurance in 2026, you're in the right place. The rules changed again this year — the expanded subsidies that made plans nearly free for millions of people expired at the end of 2025. The income limits are strict again, and knowing exactly where you stand is the difference between paying $50/month and $700/month for the same coverage.
This guide gives you the exact numbers, explains what income counts, and walks you through what to do next.
What Are ACA Income Limits?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers premium tax credits — also called subsidies — to help lower- and middle-income households pay for health insurance. These credits reduce your monthly premium on plans sold through healthcare.gov (or your state's marketplace).
To qualify, your household income must fall within a specific range — not too low, not too high. The range is set as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which changes slightly each year. For 2026 coverage, the ACA uses the 2025 FPL numbers.
The two key thresholds are:
- 100% FPL (minimum): Below this, you're expected to get Medicaid (in expansion states), not marketplace subsidies.
- 400% FPL (maximum): Above this, the subsidy drops to zero. Earn one dollar over and you pay full price.
2026 ACA Income Limits by Household Size
The table below shows the exact 2026 income thresholds based on household size. Find your household size and check where your income falls.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Minimum — Medicaid floor) |
138% FPL (Medicaid/subsidy cutoff) |
400% FPL (Subsidy cliff — maximum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $20,783 | $60,240 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $28,207 | $81,760 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $35,632 | $103,280 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $43,056 | $124,800 |
| 5 people | $36,580 | $50,480 | $146,320 |
| 6 people | $41,960 | $57,905 | $167,840 |
| 7 people | $47,340 | $65,329 | $189,360 |
| 8 people | $52,720 | $72,754 | $210,880 |
Note: Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL numbers. The table above applies to the 48 contiguous states and DC. For each person over 8, add $5,380 to calculate the 100% FPL amount, then multiply for other thresholds.
What Income Counts Toward the Limit?
The ACA doesn't use your paycheck amount or your W-2 wages alone. It uses your MAGI — Modified Adjusted Gross Income. MAGI is a specific IRS number that includes more than just your paycheck.
✅ Income that COUNTS:
- Wages and salary (Box 1 on your W-2)
- Self-employment and gig income — your net profit after business expenses (Schedule C)
- Freelance and contractor income (1099-NEC, 1099-K)
- Investment income — capital gains, dividends, taxable interest
- Rental income — net after deductible expenses
- Unemployment benefits
- Social Security benefits — the taxable portion, plus tax-exempt amounts (added back in)
- Alimony received (if divorce was finalized before 2019)
❌ Income that does NOT count:
- Child support received
- Gifts or inheritances
- Workers' compensation
- Veterans' benefits (most types)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- SNAP, housing assistance, or other means-tested benefits
Below 138% FPL? You Might Get Medicaid Instead
If your income is below 138% FPL — $20,783 for a single person — and you live in a state that expanded Medicaid, you likely qualify for free Medicaid rather than a marketplace plan with subsidies. Healthcare.gov will automatically screen you and redirect you to Medicaid enrollment.
40 states (plus DC) have expanded Medicaid as of 2026. If you're in one of them and your income is below the 138% threshold, Medicaid is almost certainly your cheapest option — it typically has $0 premiums and very low copays.
If your state has not expanded Medicaid (currently: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Kansas, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina — check current status), and your income is below 100% FPL, you may fall into a "coverage gap" where you don't qualify for either Medicaid or marketplace subsidies. In that situation, contact your state's insurance office for assistance programs.
How Much Is the Subsidy Worth?
The subsidy amount depends on two things: the cost of a "benchmark" plan (the second-lowest-cost Silver plan available in your area) and what you're expected to pay based on your income percentage.
The ACA sets a maximum percentage of income you should have to pay for the benchmark plan:
| Income Range (% FPL) | Max % of Income You Pay |
|---|---|
| 100% – 133% | 2.0% |
| 133% – 150% | 3.0% – 4.0% |
| 150% – 200% | 4.0% – 6.0% |
| 200% – 250% | 6.0% – 8.0% |
| 250% – 300% | 8.0% – 9.0% |
| 300% – 400% | 9.0% – 9.02% |
Your subsidy = benchmark plan cost minus your expected contribution. If the benchmark plan costs $500/month and you're expected to pay $150/month based on your income, your subsidy is $350/month — applied directly to your premium.
The exact number depends heavily on your location, age, and which plan you choose. Use the calculator below to see your actual estimate.
How to Apply for ACA Coverage
The annual Open Enrollment Period runs November 1 through January 15 each year (dates can shift — always check healthcare.gov). Outside open enrollment, you can only enroll if you have a qualifying life event: losing other coverage, getting married, having a child, moving to a new coverage area, etc.
Steps to apply:
- Go to healthcare.gov (or your state's marketplace if your state runs its own)
- Create an account and start an application
- Enter your household information: everyone in your tax household, their ages, and your projected annual income
- The system will tell you if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP (for children), or marketplace subsidies
- Compare plans and choose one — subsidies are applied automatically to reduce your monthly premium
- Enroll and make your first payment to activate coverage
Use your best estimate for income — if you're not sure exactly what you'll earn, estimate conservatively. You can update your income during the year if it changes significantly.
Use the Free ACA Calculator
Not sure exactly where your income falls? Use the free ACA subsidy calculator at USAPaycheck.com to get a quick estimate based on your household size, income, and state. It takes about 60 seconds.
→ Open the Free ACA Subsidy Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for ACA subsidies in 2026?
For 2026, subsidies are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single person that means between $15,060 and $60,240. For a family of 4, between $31,200 and $124,800. Earn even one dollar above the 400% limit and you lose all premium tax credits.
What happens if I earn too much for a subsidy?
If your income exceeds 400% FPL, you can still buy health insurance on healthcare.gov or directly from an insurer — you just pay full price with no premium tax credits. For a single person that's income above $60,240. Check if your employer offers coverage, which may be more affordable.
Does part-time or gig work count toward the income limit?
Yes. The ACA uses MAGI, which includes wages from any job, net gig/freelance income, and most other sources. Part-time hours don't get a pass — if you earned it, it counts.
Can undocumented immigrants get ACA subsidies?
No. You must be a US citizen, US national, or a lawfully present immigrant to qualify for marketplace plans and subsidies. Some states have their own programs — check your state's Medicaid or health insurance agency.
What if my income changes during the year?
Report changes at healthcare.gov as soon as possible. Income drops may increase your subsidy or qualify you for Medicaid. Income increases may reduce your subsidy — and if you received too much in advance, you'll repay the difference at tax time.
Is there a minimum income to qualify for ACA subsidies?
Yes — generally 100% FPL ($15,060 for a single person). Below that, you're expected to qualify for Medicaid in expansion states. If your state hasn't expanded Medicaid and your income is below 100% FPL, you may fall into a coverage gap — contact your state marketplace for help.
Can I get ACA subsidies if my employer offers health insurance?
Only if your employer's plan is "unaffordable" (your employee-only premium share exceeds 9.02% of household income) or doesn't meet minimum value standards. If the employer plan is affordable, you generally can't get marketplace subsidies — even if family coverage through the employer would cost much more.
Sources
- HHS 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (used for 2026 ACA calculations)
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-13 — 2026 ACA affordability threshold (9.02%)
- HealthCare.gov — How to apply for health insurance
- KFF Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator (methodology reference)
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