ACA Income Limits in Texas for 2026 Coverage
See if your household qualifies for a lower premium
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The 2026 income limits in plain terms
ACA premium tax credits are based on your expected household income for the coverage year, measured as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2026 coverage, the Marketplace uses the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines.
Two numbers matter most: 100% FPL is the general minimum to qualify for a premium tax credit, and 400% FPL is the upper limit. Between them, the credit slides — lower income means more help. Above 400%, the credit generally ends all at once, which is why it is called the subsidy cliff.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL (cliff) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $172,600 |
Estimate your 2027 subsidy
Enter your household details to see your expected contribution and estimated premium tax credit under the official 2027 rules (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26). Estimate only — the Marketplace makes the final call.
Want an exact number? Call 281-747-9800 or book a free call and a licensed Texas agent will run your real quote.
Estimate only. Uses the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines and the official 2027 applicable percentage table (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26). Benchmark premium is a Texas estimate by age unless you enter your own. Final eligibility and amounts are determined by the Marketplace using verified MAGI.
What counts as income
The Marketplace uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI): your adjusted gross income plus non-taxable Social Security benefits, tax-exempt interest and excluded foreign income. It is based on your expected income for the coverage year, not last year's tax return.
Because MAGI is an estimate, certain contributions can change where you land. Pre-tax retirement contributions and HSA deposits can lower MAGI — ask your tax professional before making decisions based on this.
- Wages, self-employment income and tips count
- Non-taxable Social Security benefits count toward MAGI
- Pre-tax 401(k)/IRA and HSA contributions can lower MAGI
- Report income changes to the Marketplace during the year to avoid a tax-time surprise
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If your income is below 100% FPL in Texas
Texas has not expanded Medicaid. Many adults with income below 100% FPL qualify for neither Medicaid nor a premium tax credit — the coverage gap. Parents and pregnant women may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP at different thresholds, and children may qualify for CHIP even when parents do not qualify for help.
If your income is near 100% FPL, estimate carefully: a slightly higher (but accurate) expected income can make the difference between a tax credit and no help at all. Never overstate income — the Marketplace reconciles your estimate on your tax return.
Estimate your credit before you enroll
The calculator on this page gives a quick estimate based on household size, income and age. The final amount is set by HealthCare.gov when you apply, using your verified income and the benchmark silver plan in your county.
If your estimate puts you near the 400% FPL line, a licensed agent can review your options with you — including whether an accurate MAGI estimate, a bronze or HSA-eligible plan, or a different household arrangement changes the picture.
Talk to a licensed agent
A licensed agent can compare your current ACA premium against options you may qualify for — and will tell you plainly if the Marketplace is still the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
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*Some ACA plans in some areas have a small one-time enrollment fee due to little or no broker compensation. Agency enrollment fees never apply to Medicare products.
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