Question

What’s the income limit for ACA subsidies in 2026?

With the enhanced credits expired, the 400%-of-poverty cliff is back for 2026: above it there’s no premium tax credit, and below it you may qualify. That line falls at roughly $62,600 for one person, $84,600 for a couple, and $128,600 for a family of four. Cost-sharing reductions, a separate kind of help on Silver plans, go to households under 250% of poverty.

Reviewed by Scott Stafford, Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated

The premium tax credit is now tied to a hard ceiling again. If your household income is above 400% of the federal poverty level, you don’t qualify for the credit at all — a sharp change from the past few years, when there was no upper limit. For 2026 that ceiling is about $62,600 for a single person, $84,600 for a couple, and $128,600 for a household of four, with the figure rising for larger families.

There’s also a floor to be aware of. In states that expanded Medicaid, people below roughly 138% of poverty are generally directed to Medicaid rather than a subsidized Marketplace plan; in states that didn’t expand, a coverage gap can leave some people under 100% of poverty without help. Separately, if your income is under 250% of poverty and you choose a Silver plan, cost-sharing reductions lower your deductible and copays on top of the premium credit. Our subsidies guide walks through the details.

Common questions

Related questions

What if my income is just over the limit?
Even a small amount over 400% of poverty means no premium tax credit. If you’re close, pre-tax retirement or HSA contributions can sometimes lower your countable income enough to qualify — worth checking before you enroll.
What are cost-sharing reductions?
Extra help that lowers your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum for households under 250% of poverty. You only get it on a Silver plan.

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