2027 ACA Income Limits: The Full Chart by Household Size
For 2027 coverage, ACA subsidies run from 100% to 400% of the poverty level — $15,960 to $63,840 for one person — and $1 over the top means a $0 credit. Here's every household size from 1 to 8, the 2.15%–10.22% sliding scale, the Medicaid line, and exactly how your income is counted.
Get a Free 2027 Quote ↓What Are the ACA Income Limits for 2027?
Quick answer: The 2027 ACA income limits are 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL): $15,960 to $63,840 for one person, $21,640 to $86,560 for two, and $33,000 to $132,000 for a family of four. Inside that range you pay 2.15% to 10.22% of income for the benchmark Silver plan; above 400%, the subsidy is $0 under current law.
In plain terms: land inside that range and you can get a premium tax credit on the marketplace; land above it and, under current law, you get nothing. The dollar lines come from the 2026 poverty guidelines, because those govern 2027 coverage.
Those limits matter more than they have in years. The enhanced credits that removed the 400% ceiling from 2021 through 2025 expired on December 31, 2025, and they are not back for 2027 unless Congress acts. Subsidies are smaller than they were in 2025, and the 400% cliff is back. If you've read anywhere — including an older version of this page — that there's "no upper income limit," that was the 2021–2025 rule. It no longer applies.
You'll use these numbers during Open Enrollment 2027, which runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1; enroll December 16 through January 15 and coverage starts February 1. Want your own number instead of a chart? Plug your household size and income into our 2027 ACA subsidy calculator.
FreedInsure LLC is an independent brokerage; its licensed agent, Constantino Lardi (NPN 20230457), is licensed in 42 states. We project your 2027 income, calculate the exact credit, and compare the plans sold in your county — and our help is 100% free to you. Call (844) 788-3733.
2027 ACA Income Limits Chart by Household Size
This is the full chart of 2027 ACA subsidy income limits — the 2027 Obamacare income limits, if you prefer the nickname. Each row shows the lines that matter for a household of that size: the 100% floor where premium tax credits start, the 250% line where cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans end, and the 400% ceiling where premium tax credits stop. One more line sits near the bottom — the ~138% Medicaid line in expansion states — and it gets its own section below, as do cost-sharing reductions.
| Household Size | Subsidies Start (100% FPL) | Cost-Sharing Reductions End (250% FPL) | Subsidies End (400% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $96,700 | $154,720 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $110,900 | $177,440 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $125,100 | $200,160 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $139,300 | $222,880 |
How the numbers are built: the 100% column is the 2026 HHS poverty guideline itself — $15,960 for one person, plus $5,680 for each additional person (48 states and DC) — and the 250% and 400% columns are that guideline multiplied by 2.5 and 4. The marketplace confirms your exact eligibility when you apply. Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines — 400% FPL for one person works out to about $79,800 in Alaska and $73,440 in Hawaii.
Why 2026 guidelines for 2027 coverage? Marketplace savings use the prior year's poverty guidelines for the whole coverage year, so these dollar lines won't move during 2027. Medicaid is different: it uses the current year's guidelines, so the 138% Medicaid figures below will shift once the 2027 guidelines are published (usually around January) and your state adopts them. Income here means your projected 2027 household MAGI — how that's counted is covered below.
Sources: HHS/ASPE 2026 poverty guidelines; IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26 (2027 applicable percentages); CMS 2027 cost-sharing guidance (CSR income bands).
For the record — 2026 coverage (history only): plan year 2026 used the 2025 poverty guidelines, so the limits were $15,650–$62,600 for a single person and $32,150–$128,600 for a family of four, and the Medicaid line sat near $21,600 single under the 2025 guidelines. Those numbers are history. Don't use them to estimate 2027 help.
For the full story of how the cliff returned — and what changed between the two years — see our ACA subsidy cliff explainer.
2027 Applicable Percentages: What You Pay for the Benchmark Plan
Qualifying for a credit is step one. Its size depends on the IRS's 2027 applicable percentage — the share of household income you're expected to pay for the benchmark (second-lowest-cost) Silver plan in your area. For 2027 it runs from 2.15% to 10.22% (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26). The credit pays the difference between that expected contribution and the benchmark premium, and you can spend it on any metal-tier plan on the marketplace (Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum where offered), though not on a catastrophic plan. Our ACA marketplace guide walks through how the tiers compare.
Under 133% FPL — 2.15%
Single income up to about $21,227. The lowest contribution on the scale, though in expansion states adults in this band generally qualify for Medicaid instead.
133–150% FPL — 3.23% to 4.30%
About $21,227–$23,940 for one person. Your share stays low here, and the strongest (94%) cost-sharing reduction Silver plans apply.
150–200% FPL — 4.30% to 6.78%
$23,940–$31,920 single; about $49,500–$66,000 for a family of four. Strong credits plus enhanced Silver cost-sharing.
200–250% FPL — 6.78% to 8.66%
$31,920–$39,900 single; about $66,000–$82,500 for four. The last band where cost-sharing reductions apply.
250–300% FPL — 8.66% to 10.22%
$39,900–$47,880 single. Credits taper quickly as the percentage climbs toward its cap.
300–400% FPL — 10.22%
$47,880–$63,840 single; up to about $132,000 for four. A flat 10.22% — then no credit at all above 400%.
Inside each band the percentage rises in a straight line. Worked example: a family of four earning $66,000 sits at exactly 200% FPL, so it's expected to pay 6.78% of income — about $4,475 a year, or roughly $373 a month — toward the benchmark Silver plan. If the benchmark in their county costs more than that, the credit covers the gap. For any other income, the 2027 subsidy calculator does the math in seconds.
Cost-Sharing Reduction Income Limits (Silver Plans Only)
Below 250% FPL there's a second benefit many shoppers miss: cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which shrink deductibles, copays and the out-of-pocket maximum — but only on a Silver plan bought through the marketplace. For 2027, a standard plan's out-of-pocket maximum can be as high as $12,000 for one person ($24,000 for a family). With CSRs, that drops sharply:
At 100–150% FPL ($15,960–$23,940 single), Silver is boosted to a 94% actuarial value with the out-of-pocket max capped at $4,000 ($8,000 family). At 150–200% ($23,940–$31,920), it's 87% with the same $4,000 cap. At 200–250% ($31,920–$39,900), it's 73% with a cap of $9,600 ($19,200 family). Above 250%, Silver is a standard 70% plan. That's why a $0 Bronze plan is often the wrong pick under 250% FPL: a CSR Silver plan can cost a little more each month and thousands less in a bad year.
What Happens If Your Income Is Over 400% of FPL in 2027?
Under current law, your premium tax credit is $0. For 2027 the cliff is a true cliff, not a slope. A single filer projecting $63,840 is expected to pay 10.22% of income — about $544 a month — for the benchmark plan, and the credit covers anything above that. At $63,841, there's no credit at all, no matter what the plan costs. For a family of four, the same line sits at roughly $132,000.
That's the sharpest change from 2021–2025, when credits continued above 400% and simply shrank as income rose. Unless Congress acts, 2027 works the old way. If your income sits anywhere near the line — variable 1099 income, a year-end bonus, a retirement withdrawal you're weighing — there are legitimate ways to manage MAGI, covered in how to stay under the 400% cliff for 2027. Self-employed with lumpy income? Our self-employed open enrollment guide covers the projection side in depth.
Underestimate Your Income and You Repay All of It
Advance credits are paid on your projection, then reconciled on Form 8962 when you file taxes. Starting with tax year 2026 there is no repayment cap: you must repay the full amount by which your advance payments exceed the credit you actually qualify for. Project $60,000, finish the year at $65,000 as a single filer, and you could owe back every dollar of credit you received. Report income changes to the marketplace as they happen, not at tax time.
Over the Line? Your Honest Options
Full price doesn't mean no choices. You can still buy any ACA plan, on or off the marketplace, with pre-existing conditions covered — above the cliff, a broker's job is finding the lowest real cost among them. Some healthy households also compare plans sold outside the ACA Marketplace. Those aren't individual-market ACA plans, and eligibility rules, benefits and limits vary by plan, so they aren't right for everyone: with a pre-existing condition, a pregnancy or expensive medications, an ACA plan is usually the safer buy. Our guide for high earners and PPO options page walk through the trade-offs. One thing that doesn't work for 2027: as of CMS's August 4, 2026 statement, earning over 400% FPL does not by itself qualify someone 30 or older for a catastrophic plan, because a federal court stayed that expansion.
Straight talk for this Open Enrollment: the costliest mistake we expect to see in 2027 is auto-renewal. Do nothing by December 15 and most enrollees are re-enrolled in the same or a similar plan — but with credits smaller and premiums changing, last year's plan at last year's income assumptions can quietly become this year's overpay, or next spring's repayment bill. Re-verify your income and re-shop. It takes about 15 minutes, and a broker costs $0. Call (844) 788-3733.
Below About 138% FPL: When Medicaid Replaces the Subsidy
At the bottom of the chart, the question isn't how big your credit is — it's whether you belong on the marketplace at all. In the 41 states (including DC) that have expanded Medicaid (per KFF's August 2026 tracker), adults with income up to about 138% FPL generally qualify for Medicaid instead of a marketplace subsidy. Using the 2026 guidelines, that's about $22,025 for one person and $45,540 for a family of four, and higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
The ~138% Medicaid line by household size (2026 guidelines, 48 states and DC, derived): about $22,025 for 1 person, $29,863 for 2, $37,702 for 3, $45,540 for 4, $53,378 for 5, $61,217 for 6, $69,055 for 7 and $76,894 for 8. States switch to each new year's guidelines on their own schedule, so treat these as close estimates for now.
The 10 states that haven't expanded — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming — work differently. There, marketplace credits start at 100% FPL, and adults below that line can fall into a gap with neither a credit nor expansion Medicaid. As of fall 2026, Wisconsin (through a waiver) and Georgia Pathways (with a work requirement) cover adults up to 100% FPL.
Two changes to watch near this line: the 138% dollar figures will shift in early 2027 as states adopt the new poverty guidelines, and states must start a new federal Medicaid work requirement for expansion adults 19–64 by January 1, 2027 (80 hours a month of work, school or community service, with exemptions) — though it isn't in effect yet in most states, and federal law lets HHS grant a state a good-faith exemption that delays it. Our guide on how to qualify for Medicaid has the details.
Straight talk: Medicaid is a government program, not something we sell. If it's your best option, we'll tell you so and point you to your state's application, free. If your income hovers near 138% — seasonal work, gig income, variable hours — a 10-minute call can map which side you'll land on. And losing Medicaid mid-year opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for a marketplace plan.
How Is Income Counted for ACA Subsidies? (MAGI)
Every line on the chart is measured against MAGI — modified adjusted gross income — for your whole tax household, projected for 2027. For most households, MAGI is simply the adjusted gross income (AGI) from your tax return with a few items added back. Here's the definition in four pieces:
📊 Start With AGI
Wages, self-employment net income (after expenses), interest, dividends, capital gains, retirement withdrawals, unemployment — the adjusted gross income line on your 1040.
➕ Add Back Three Items
Tax-exempt interest, non-taxable Social Security benefits, and excluded foreign income. Most households have none of these — so MAGI usually equals AGI.
👪 Count the Whole Household
You, your spouse, and tax dependents required to file. It's household income measured against the household-size poverty line — not just the applicant's paycheck.
📅 It's a 2027 Projection
The marketplace wants your best estimate of 2027 income — not last year's return. Report changes mid-year so your credit adjusts before tax time, not at it.
What generally doesn't count: child support you receive, gifts, loan proceeds, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and veterans' disability payments. What lowers MAGI legitimately: pre-tax 401(k) contributions, deductible traditional IRA contributions, HSA contributions and, for the self-employed, legitimate business expenses. With the cliff back, projecting accurately is the whole game — guess low and you repay at tax time; guess high and you overpay premiums all year. Start by seeing if you qualify.
Then Beat the December 15 Deadline
Once you know where you land, enrolling takes about 15 minutes: (1) project your 2027 household MAGI, (2) find your band on the chart or in the subsidy calculator, (3) compare plans against your doctors and prescriptions — including CSR Silver if you're under 250% FPL — and (4) enroll by December 15, 2026 for January 1 coverage. The window closes January 15, 2027; some state-run exchanges set different dates, so check your state's deadline. Miss it and you'll need a qualifying life event — see our Special Enrollment Period guide.
On Medicare or about to be? Medicare's Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, 2026) is a separate system, and these ACA income limits don't apply to it — use medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE. Our ACA vs. Medicare enrollment explainer sorts out which window is yours.
How FreedInsure Helps
FreedInsure compares 14+ health insurance carriers simultaneously to find you the best rate and coverage for your specific situation.
🔒 Independent Broker
We represent multiple carriers, not just one. No captive loyalty. Our only goal: best coverage at the lowest price for YOUR situation. If one product is better than another, we tell you honestly.
💰 Always Free
Our service costs you $0. You get the same plans at the same price as going direct — plus personalized expert guidance, plan comparison, and enrollment assistance.
📞 Real Licensed Advisors
Not a chatbot. Not a call center. Licensed insurance professionals who understand your specific situation. Same advisor handles your case from first call through enrollment. Available by phone, text, and email.
📈 10,000+ Members Enrolled
We've helped over 10,000 members across 42 states. 4.9 Google rating. We know which carriers work best in which ZIP codes, which plans have the strongest networks, and which options most people overlook.
Ready to get started? Call (844) 788-3733 or complete the form below. A licensed advisor will call within 15 minutes with personalized options. No pressure, no spam, no data selling. Just expert guidance that's 100% free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Free Quote
Licensed advisor compares 14+ health insurance carriers. Free, no obligation.
Keep Going
What Our Members Say
Beat the December 15 Deadline.
Licensed advisor. Free 2027 quotes. 14+ carriers compared. (844) 788-3733.
Get My Free Quote →