How much income do I need to qualify for an ACA subsidy?
Eligibility for a health insurance subsidy (tax credit) is based on your household size and your estimated Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the year you are seeking coverage.
How it works
Generally, to qualify for a subsidy, your income must fall within a specific range relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
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The Minimum: Most people must earn at least 100% of the FPL to qualify for Marketplace savings.
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The Maximum: Eligibility typically caps at 400% of the FPL. (Note: The "Subsidy Cliff" rules can change based on federal legislation, so it is important to check the current year’s limits).
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Medicaid: If your income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for your state’s Medicaid program instead of a Marketplace plan.
Estimate Your Savings
Because these income limits change every year, we recommend using an official calculator to see where you stand:
- ACA Quick Quote: Our fast, user-friendly way to see exactly which plans and savings are available in your zip code.
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KFF Subsidy Calculator: An independent tool from the Kaiser Family Foundation that estimates your premium costs and subsidy eligibility.
Official Resources
For the most up-to-date income charts and federal guidelines, visit these official sites:
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HealthCare.gov
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IRS.gov