How to use the ACA subsidy calculator
The calculator needs three things: where you live, who is in your household and what you expect to earn.
- ZIP code and county. The benchmark silver plan, which sets the size of your credit, differs by county.
- Expected income for the plan year. Use modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). For most people this is close to adjusted gross income on Form 1040, plus any untaxed foreign income, non-taxable Social Security benefits and tax-exempt interest.
- Household members. Include yourself, your spouse and everyone you claim as a dependent. Add ages and tick tobacco use, pregnancy or a job-based offer where they apply.
The result shows your estimated monthly credit, your income as a percentage of the poverty level, and whether you are likely to qualify for cost-sharing reductions or Medicaid and CHIP.
How the 2026 and 2027 numbers work
The credit fills the gap between the benchmark plan and the share of income you are expected to pay. These are the official expected contribution ranges.
| Income (% of FPL) | 2026 expected share of income | 2027 expected share of income | Likely extra help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100% | No credit (Medicaid may apply) | No credit (Medicaid may apply) | Medicaid in expansion states |
| 100% to under 133% | 2.10% | 2.15% | 94% cost-sharing reduction |
| 133% to 150% | 3.14% to 4.19% | 3.23% to 4.30% | 94% cost-sharing reduction |
| Over 150% to 200% | 4.19% to 6.60% | 4.30% to 6.78% | 87% cost-sharing reduction |
| Over 200% to 250% | 6.60% to 8.44% | 6.78% to 8.66% | 73% cost-sharing reduction |
| Over 250% to 300% | 8.44% to 9.96% | 8.66% to 10.22% | None |
| Over 300% to 400% | 9.96% | 10.22% | None |
| Over 400% | No credit | No credit | None |
Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25 and 2026-26; 45 CFR 156.420. Percentages rise gradually within each band.
A second worked example
What the result means for you
- A credit above $0: you can use it on any bronze, silver, gold or platinum Marketplace plan. It cannot be used on catastrophic plans.
- A cost-sharing reduction flag: look at silver plans first. See cost-sharing reductions explained.
- A Medicaid or CHIP flag: apply anyway; the Marketplace sends your information to your state agency.
- A credit of $0 above 400% of FPL: you can still buy a Marketplace plan at full price. CMS guidance from September 4, 2025, also lets people who are not eligible for the credit or cost-sharing reductions because of income qualify for a hardship exemption to buy a catastrophic plan.
The premium tax credit guide covers the full rules, including Form 8962 reconciliation.
Rules that can change your answer
- The 400% cliff. The enhanced credits expired after 2025, so earning a little over 400% of FPL can end the credit entirely.
- No repayment cap. For tax years after 2025, the IRS says you must repay all excess advance credit.
- Job-based coverage. An affordable offer generally blocks the credit. The 2026 test is 9.96% of household income for employee-only coverage; for 2027 it is 10.22%.
- Immigration status. Under 2025 law, lawfully present immigrants with income below 100% of FPL who cannot get Medicaid because of their status lost credit eligibility starting in 2026.
- Enrollment timing. Plans picked through an income-based Special Enrollment Period do not qualify for the credit for plan years after 2025. Most people enroll during open enrollment.
Where the numbers come from
The estimate is not our own formula. Our server sends your county, household and income to the eligibility estimates in the official CMS Marketplace API, which applies the federal rules for the plan year and the benchmark silver plan price for your household. We show what the API returns and do not keep your details. Because the API follows the newest plan year CMS has published, the calculator switches to 2027 figures once CMS releases 2027 data for open enrollment starting November 1, 2026.
The poverty guidelines come from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For 2026 coverage, the 2025 guidelines apply ($15,650 for one person); for 2027 coverage, the 2026 guidelines apply ($15,960 for one person), published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026. Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines, and the tool uses your state.
Common mistakes
- Entering monthly instead of yearly income. The tool asks for income for the whole year.
- Using take-home pay. Use income before taxes, adjusted to MAGI.
- Forgetting self-employment swings. Estimate conservatively and report changes during the year.
- Ignoring silver when you qualify for cost-sharing reductions.
Related tools
See real plans in your county with the credit applied in the ACA plan finder, or check your exact income percentage with the FPL calculator.
