What income qualifies for Obamacare subsidies?


Editorial team Published on

ACA health insurance premium subsidies are generally available to individuals and families with a household income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Key Income Limits for 2026 Coverage

Because temporary enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, the traditional upper-income "subsidy cliff" at 400% of the FPL has returned for 2026. Earning above 400% FPL means you receive no federal premium tax credits.

  • 1-Person Household: ~$15,960 to $62,600 (or up to $63,840 depending on the specific state/FPL baseline calculation)
  • Family of 2: Up to ~$84,600
  • Family of 3: ~$27,320 to $109,280 (lower bound varies slightly by state/FPL index, e.g. ~$26,650)
  • Family of 5: ~$38,680 to $154,720

(Note: For households with more than 8 people, add approximately $5,500 per additional person in the contiguous 48 states).

General Eligibility Rules

  • Lower Income Threshold: Must earn at least 100% of the FPL. If your income falls below 138% of the FPL in states that have expanded Medicaid, you generally qualify for Medicaid rather than marketplace subsidies.
  • No Affordable Employer Plan: You cannot have access to affordable health insurance through a job.
  • No Government Programs: You cannot qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP.
  • Income Metric: Eligibility is based on your estimated Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the coverage year.