🏥 Health Insurance Subsidy Calculator

Find out how much the government will help pay for your health insurance in 2026 — plain and simple.

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ACA Marketplace Subsidy Estimator

Uses 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Results are estimates — visit healthcare.gov for exact figures and enrollment. · Updated June 2026

Estimated Monthly Premium Tax Credit (Subsidy)
Your Net Monthly Premium
% of Federal Poverty Level
Full Benchmark Premium
Annual Subsidy Value

In 2026, ACA marketplace subsidies (premium tax credits) are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of 4, that's $32,150 to $128,600 in annual income. Enhanced subsidies introduced since 2021 mean millions of Americans qualify for $0 or very low-cost plans. Visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment (Nov 1–Jan 15) to see exact options in your area.

How the ACA Premium Tax Credit Works in 2026

The Affordable Care Act's premium tax credit caps what you pay for a Silver plan at a percentage of your income based on where you fall in the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) scale. For 2026, if your income is 150% FPL or below, your required contribution is $0 — the entire benchmark premium is covered. At 200% FPL, you pay roughly 2% of income. At 300% FPL, you pay about 6%. At 400% FPL, you pay approximately 8.5%. If your income exceeds 400% FPL, enhanced subsidies enacted in recent legislation may still reduce your costs depending on the plan premium in your area.

Silver Plans and the Benchmark Premium

The subsidy is calculated based on the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area — called the benchmark plan. You can apply the tax credit to any metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), but the credit amount is fixed based on the Silver benchmark. If you choose a Bronze plan (which typically costs less than the benchmark), you'll pay even less than the calculator shows. Silver plans come with an extra benefit for those under 250% FPL: cost-sharing reductions (CSR) that lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making Silver an exceptional value at lower incomes.

What Counts as Income for ACA Subsidy Purposes?

ACA subsidies are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, alimony, capital gains, and most other income sources. It does not include child support received, supplemental security income, or most gifts and inheritances. If you're self-employed, include your net profit after business deductions. Importantly, if your income changes during the year, you should update your marketplace application — overstated subsidies must be repaid at tax time, while understated subsidies result in a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open enrollment for ACA marketplace plans runs November 1 through January 15 each year, with coverage starting January 1 (or February 1 for enrollments after December 15). Outside of open enrollment, you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by qualifying life events: losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving to a new state, or significant income changes.
If your income falls below 100% FPL, you generally don't qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies — but you likely qualify for Medicaid, which provides free or very low-cost coverage. However, if you live in a state that has NOT expanded Medicaid, there may be a coverage gap. In those states, contact your state Medicaid office and a local navigator or broker to understand your options.
You can only get marketplace subsidies if your employer coverage is considered "unaffordable" or doesn't meet minimum value standards. Coverage is unaffordable if the employee-only premium costs more than 9.02% of your household income in 2026. If employer coverage meets both affordability and minimum value tests, you're generally not eligible for marketplace subsidies, even if family coverage is expensive.
All metal tiers cover the same essential health benefits — the difference is how costs are split. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premium but highest deductible (average $6,000+). Silver plans are mid-tier and the only tier that offers cost-sharing reductions for lower incomes. Gold plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles. Platinum has the highest premiums but covers 90% of costs. For those under 250% FPL, Silver's CSR benefit often makes it the best value.
If you receive more advance premium tax credit than you're entitled to, you must repay the excess when you file your taxes. Repayment is capped based on income — households under 200% FPL are capped at $350–$700 in repayment, while those above 400% FPL repay the full difference with no cap. To avoid surprises, update your marketplace application whenever your income changes significantly during the year.