Whether you get help paying for ACA Marketplace coverage in 2027 comes down to one number: your household’s projected 2027 income compared with the federal poverty level (FPL). Cross the upper line and the premium tax credit disappears completely, not gradually.
This guide gives the dollar limits, explains which poverty level is used, and covers what to do if your income sits near the edge. For the enrollment calendar, see our 2027 open enrollment dates and deadlines guide.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not personalized insurance advice. We are not licensed insurance agents. Eligibility depends on your household, state and exact income, so confirm on HealthCare.gov or your state exchange.
The 2027 income limits at a glance
For 2027 coverage, the Marketplace uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines. These are the figures for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.; Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines.
| Household size | 100% FPL (lower line in non-expansion states) | 400% FPL (upper line for premium tax credits) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $132,000 |
The 100% figures for one person and a family of four are listed in KFF’s marketplace FAQ and the full table is published by healthinsurance.org. The 400% column is simply four times the 100% figure. The same KFF page puts the ceiling at “no more than $63,840 for an individual or $132,000 for a family of four.”
Why there is a “cliff” again
For 2021 through 2025, temporary federal provisions removed the 400% cap, so higher earners could still receive a credit if the benchmark plan cost more than a set share of their income. Those provisions expired at the end of 2025, and as healthinsurance.org notes, Congress did not extend them, so the cliff returned in 2026 and applies for 2027.
In practice:
- At $63,840 a single adult can qualify; at $63,841 they cannot. The test is on the whole household’s income, not just yours.
- Above the line you pay the full, unsubsidized premium. Our guide to what health insurance costs without a subsidy shows what that looks like.
- Below the line, the credit is calculated on a sliding scale: KFF says your expected contribution “will increase on a sliding scale based on your 2027 income.”
The lower end: Medicaid and the 100% line
Premium tax credits generally start at 100% of the FPL. In states that expanded Medicaid, adults with income up to 138% of the FPL qualify for Medicaid instead. healthinsurance.org says that the 138% threshold reflects a 5% income disregard, which is why you sometimes see it written as 133%. That is about $22,025 for one person and $45,540 for a family of four in 2027 terms.
Premium subsidies in expansion states therefore start above 138% of the FPL, while in non-expansion states they start at 100%. Medicaid and CHIP switch to the 2027 poverty numbers between February and April 2027, depending on the state, so those thresholds can differ from the Marketplace’s.
Extra help with deductibles: the 250% line
If you choose a Silver plan and your income is up to 250% of the FPL, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductible and out-of-pocket costs. For 2027, 250% is $39,900 for one person and $68,300 for three, per healthinsurance.org. These benefits apply only on Silver plans, which is a common reason a Silver plan beats a cheaper Bronze one for lower-income households.
What income counts
The Marketplace uses modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for the household members you claim on your taxes, projected for 2027. You are estimating a year that has not happened yet, so:
- Estimate carefully. Self-employment, bonuses, a second job and investment gains all count.
- Update when things change. KFF advises enrollees to report income changes to the Marketplace during the year.
- Know the repayment rule. If you receive advance credits and your income turns out higher than you estimated, you repay the difference to the IRS at tax time, according to KFF. The page gives no repayment cap, so don’t assume one.
If your income is near the edge
- Check the line for your household size. The cliff for a couple ($86,560) is far higher than for one person ($63,840).
- Understand what lowers MAGI. Pre-tax contributions such as those to a traditional retirement account or an HSA can reduce your MAGI. Whether that works for you is a tax question, so talk to a tax professional.
- Compare the true cost. A job or raise that lifts income over the line can cost more in lost subsidy than it earns. Run the numbers on the marketplace’s own estimator before you commit to a plan.
- Don’t forget employer coverage. For 2027, employer coverage is considered unaffordable if the employee’s share of the premium exceeds 10.22% of income, per KFF. That can affect whether you can get a credit at all.
Bottom line
For 2027, ACA premium tax credits run from about 100% to 400% of the poverty level: $63,840 for a single adult and $132,000 for a family of four, based on projected 2027 household income. The enhanced credits that removed that ceiling were not extended, so a small income difference near the line can decide whether you receive any help. Estimate your income honestly, compare Silver and Bronze plans, and confirm your eligibility during open enrollment, which ends December 15 for a January 1 start on HealthCare.gov.
Sources: KFF and healthinsurance.org. Dollar figures for Alaska, Hawaii and state-run exchanges differ; rules can change, so verify before acting.