When it comes to getting financial help with your health insurance premiums, your income is everything. If you're planning to apply for coverage through the ACA Marketplace in 2026, you need to know where you stand in relation to the ACA income limits—because they determine whether you qualify for a subsidy and how much assistance you'll receive.
Here's a full breakdown of what counts as income, the official 2026 estimates, and how to figure out your eligibility.
What Are ACA Income Limits?
The ACA uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and household size to determine if you qualify for:
- Premium Tax Credits (lower your monthly premiums)
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (reduce out-of-pocket expenses)
Your MAGI is based on your total income (wages, self-employment, unemployment, Social Security, etc.) before taxes, plus a few specific add-backs like non-taxable Social Security or foreign income.
Learn how ACA subsidies are calculated in 2026 to better understand how income limits play into actual premium amounts.
How Subsidy Eligibility Works
ACA subsidies are designed for people earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Thanks to recent legislative changes, many people earning over 400% may still qualify if their premiums exceed a certain percentage of their income.
📊 Estimated 2026 ACA Income Limits
Below is a projected table of the 2026 FPL thresholds, assuming a 3.5% inflation adjustment over 2025 levels (official 2026 numbers will be published by HHS in early 2026):
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid) | 250% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,060 | $20,794 | $37,650 | $60,240 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $28,207 | $51,100 | $81,760 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $35,620 | $64,550 | $103,280 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $43,033 | $78,000 | $124,800 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $50,446 | $91,450 | $146,320 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $57,859 | $104,900 | $167,840 |
💡 Note: Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits due to cost-of-living differences.
Who Qualifies for What?
- Premium Tax Credits: Available if your income is between 100% and 400% FPL, or higher if your premiums would otherwise exceed ~8.5% of income.
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR): You must earn between 100% and 250% FPL and enroll in a Silver plan.
- Medicaid: In states that expanded Medicaid, those under 138% FPL may qualify for free or low-cost coverage.
How to Estimate Your 2026 Income
When applying, you need to project your total income for the year. Here are some tips:
- Use last year's tax return as a baseline.
- Include expected changes (job switch, raise, freelance income).
- Don't forget side income, unemployment, or alimony.
- Exclude child support and veteran benefits (they don't count in MAGI).
Why It Matters
If your estimated income is too low or too high, you may:
- Miss out on valuable subsidies
- Owe money back at tax time (if your actual income is higher than expected)
Get an Instant Estimate
Rather than guessing, try our ACA Subsidy Calculator for 2026 to see if you qualify. Just enter your income, household size, and ZIP code. The tool will estimate your subsidy amount and show what plans might cost you each month.
Try the ACA Calculator for 2026 Now →Final Thoughts
Knowing the ACA income limits for 2026 is crucial for getting affordable coverage. The subsidies are there to help—you just need to know if you qualify and apply accordingly.
Estimate carefully, keep your income updated, and use every tool available to avoid paying more than you have to.