How to use the FPL calculator
The calculator needs three answers.
- State. The 48 contiguous states and DC share one set of guidelines. Alaska and Hawaii have their own, higher figures.
- Household size. For the Marketplace, this is your tax household: you, a spouse and your tax dependents.
- Yearly income. Use expected household income for the year before taxes, as modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).
The result is your income as a percentage of the federal poverty level. A result of 200% means your income is twice the guideline for your household size.
What do the common FPL thresholds mean?
Health programs use a handful of thresholds. This table shows what each one generally means as of October 18, 2026.
| % of FPL | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| Under 100% | No ACA premium tax credit. Medicaid may apply in expansion states; in states that did not expand, some adults fall into a coverage gap. |
| Up to 138% | Usual adult Medicaid limit in states that expanded Medicaid. |
| 100% to 150% | Premium tax credit plus the 94% cost-sharing reduction on silver plans. |
| Over 150% to 200% | Premium tax credit plus the 87% cost-sharing reduction on silver plans. |
| Over 200% to 250% | Premium tax credit plus the 73% cost-sharing reduction on silver plans. |
| Over 250% to 400% | Premium tax credit only. |
| Over 400% | No premium tax credit for 2026 or 2027, because the enhanced credits expired after 2025. |
Sources: HealthCare.gov, IRS and 45 CFR 156.420. Children and pregnant people often qualify for Medicaid or CHIP at higher incomes than adults; limits vary by state.
2026 poverty guidelines at common thresholds
These dollar amounts are based on the 2026 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC (Federal Register, January 15, 2026). They apply to 2027 Marketplace coverage and, in general, to Medicaid and CHIP decisions made in 2026.
| Household size | 100% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 250% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
For each person over eight, add $5,680 to the 100% figure. In Alaska the 100% figure for one person is $19,950 (add $7,100 per extra person over eight); in Hawaii it is $18,360 (add $6,530 per extra person over eight).
For 2026 Marketplace coverage, the 2025 guidelines apply instead: $15,650 for one person and $32,150 for a family of four, according to HealthCare.gov.
A second worked example
Which guideline year applies?
This is the most common source of confusion. Two programs use the guidelines differently:
- Marketplace savings (tax credit and cost-sharing reductions): use the guidelines from the year before coverage. HealthCare.gov says income from the previous year is used to calculate Marketplace savings for the next year. So 2027 plans use the 2026 guidelines.
- Medicaid and CHIP: generally use the current year’s guidelines and your current monthly income, so the numbers can update during the year.
The CMS API used by this tool applies the guideline CMS uses for the plan year shown.
Why your percentage can change during the year
Your FPL percentage is only as good as your income estimate. Raises, a new job, overtime, a spouse’s income, self-employment profits and unemployment all move it. Because the Marketplace uses your income for the whole year, a change in October still affects the full year’s credit when you file taxes. Starting with tax year 2026, the IRS says any excess advance credit must be repaid in full, so a percentage that ends up above 400% means repaying all the advance credit for that year.
Household changes matter too. A birth, marriage or divorce changes your household size and therefore the guideline you are measured against. Adding a child raises the guideline, which lowers your percentage. Report these changes to the Marketplace, and rerun the calculator, whenever they happen. If a change makes you newly eligible for cost-sharing reductions, you may be able to switch to a silver plan outside open enrollment; see the Special Enrollment Period guide.
Common mistakes
- Counting only people who need coverage. Count your whole tax household.
- Using take-home pay. Use income before taxes.
- Entering a monthly figure. The calculator expects a yearly amount.
- Assuming 138% applies everywhere. Not every state expanded Medicaid, and limits for children and pregnant people are often higher.
What to do with your result
If you are between 100% and 400%, estimate your credit with the ACA subsidy calculator and compare plans in the ACA plan finder. Between 100% and 250%, read cost-sharing reductions explained before you choose a metal level. The premium tax credit guide explains the 400% cliff and how reconciliation works.
