ACA Subsidy Calculator Hub: Check Your Subsidy, Then Compare Alternatives
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Estimate only. Uses the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines and the official 2027 applicable percentage table (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26) for plan year 2027. Final eligibility is determined by the Marketplace using verified MAGI.
The 400% FPL cliff, in dollars
For 2026 coverage, the subsidy cliff is back: above roughly these income levels, the premium tax credit drops to zero and you pay the full ACA premium.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL (subsidy 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 |
Over the cliff? Read the full breakdown in the 400% FPL subsidy cliff guide — including the 2027 calculator.
How your ACA subsidy is calculated
The premium tax credit works the same way in every state, including Texas. Three numbers decide it:
- Your household income (MAGI). Modified Adjusted Gross Income — roughly your adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest and untaxed Social Security. You estimate it for the coverage year when you apply.
- Your Federal Poverty Level percentage. Your income divided by the HHS poverty guideline for your household size. The table above shows where that line falls for 2026 coverage.
- The benchmark silver plan in your county. Your credit equals the cost of the second-lowest-cost silver plan where you live, minus the percentage of income the federal formula expects you to contribute. A higher local benchmark means a larger credit.
This page estimates; it does not determine eligibility. Your final credit is calculated by HealthCare.gov when you submit an application, and reconciled on your federal tax return (IRS Form 8962).
What to do with your result
- Under 400% FPL: you likely qualify for a premium tax credit. See plan options and enrollment steps on our Texas ACA Marketplace hub — or check the enrollment deadlines so you don't miss your window.
- Over 400% FPL and healthy: you pay the full ACA premium, which is when alternatives are worth a look. Start with health insurance costs in Texas: lower-cost options or take the are-you-overpaying check.
- Not sure which side you're on: grab the ACA open enrollment guide or request a review and a licensed Texas agent will run your exact numbers.
See if your household qualifies for a lower premium
Free review with a licensed Texas agent based in Katy. We'll tell you honestly if the ACA is still your best fit.
All 31 ACA-alternative guides
Every guide below is written for Texans paying too much for Obamacare — who qualifies, who doesn't, and how families can lower premiums by placing each family member on the right product.
- Obamacare Alternatives for Healthy Texans Paying Too Much
Paying too much for Obamacare? If you're healthy, tobacco-free and over 400% FPL, you may qualify for a lower premium. Not for those with health issues.
- The 400% FPL Subsidy Cliff: What It Means for Your Premium
For 2026 coverage, income above 400% of the federal poverty level generally means no premium tax credit. See the exact income limits for your household size and what to check before you enroll.
- ACA Income Limits in Texas for 2026 Coverage
2026 ACA income limits in Texas by household size: the 100% FPL minimum, the 400% FPL subsidy cliff, and how to estimate your premium tax credit before you enroll.
- Is Obamacare Too Expensive Now That You're Over 400% FPL?
Obamacare too expensive because you're over the 400% FPL subsidy cliff? Healthy, tobacco-free Texans may qualify for lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies.
- Split Your Household: The Right Plan for Each Family Member
One family member needs prescriptions or pre-existing coverage? Keep them on an ACA plan and place healthy members on a separate product to lower the total.
- Who Qualifies for an ACA Alternative — and Who Doesn't
ACA alternatives are generally for healthy, tobacco-free people with no pending procedures or significant medical history. See who qualifies — and who doesn't.
- ACA Marketplace vs Alternative Products: An Honest Comparison
Compare ACA Marketplace plans with non-ACA alternatives: pre-existing conditions, subsidies, benefits and who each fits. Alternatives are not qualified plans.
- Significant Medical History? The ACA Is Likely Your Best Fit
If you have a significant medical history like cancer or diabetes, the ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) is likely your right choice. Here's why alternatives aren't.
- Under 400% FPL? Your ACA Subsidy Is Probably Your Best Deal
If your household is under 400% FPL, ACA premium tax credits may make Marketplace coverage far cheaper than any alternative. See why alternatives aren't for you.
- Early Retirees Over 400% FPL: Bridging the Gap to Medicare
Retired before 65 and over 400% FPL? Healthy, tobacco-free early retirees may qualify for lower premiums than full-price ACA. Not for those with conditions.
- Self-Employed and Over the Subsidy Cliff? Review Your Options
Self-employed and earning over 400% FPL? Healthy, tobacco-free business owners may qualify for lower premiums than full-price Obamacare. Not everyone qualifies.
- Short-Term Medical in Texas: What You Need to Know
Short-term medical plans in Texas: who they fit, federal duration limits, and why they're not ACA-qualified. Healthy applicants only; not everyone qualifies.
- Fixed Indemnity Plans: Cash Benefits, Not Major Medical
Fixed indemnity plans pay set cash amounts for covered services. They are not major medical or ACA-qualified. Learn who they fit and their limits.
- Medically Underwritten Health Plans: Lower Premiums If You Qualify
Underwritten health plans price coverage on your health. Healthy, tobacco-free applicants may pay less than full-price ACA. Not ACA-qualified; not for everyone.
- Before You Leave Your ACA Plan: A Safety Checklist
Thinking of leaving your ACA plan? Use this checklist: confirm approval, review exclusions, check networks and never cancel early. Not everyone qualifies.
- Ongoing Prescriptions: Keep Coverage, Lower the Household Bill
Ongoing prescriptions can affect whether you qualify for ACA alternatives. Learn how to keep needed coverage and still lower your household's premium.
Katy-area guides
- Obamacare Alternatives in Katy, Texas
Paying too much for Obamacare in Katy, TX? Healthy, tobacco-free families over 400% FPL may qualify for lower premiums. Local licensed agent. Not for everyone.
- Over the Subsidy Cliff in Katy? Here's What to Know
Over the 400% FPL subsidy cliff in Katy, TX? See 2026 income limits and how healthy households may lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies.
- Katy Families: The Right Plan for Each Member
Katy family with one member needing prescriptions or pre-existing coverage? Keep them on ACA and place healthy members on separate products to lower costs.
- Obamacare Alternatives in Fulshear, Texas
Paying too much for Obamacare in Fulshear, TX? Healthy, tobacco-free families over 400% FPL may qualify for lower premiums. Local licensed agent. Not for everyone.
- Over the Subsidy Cliff in Fulshear? Here's What to Know
Over the 400% FPL subsidy cliff in Fulshear, TX? See 2026 income limits and how healthy households may lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies.
- Fulshear Families: The Right Plan for Each Member
Fulshear family with one member needing prescriptions or pre-existing coverage? Keep them on ACA and place healthy members on separate products to lower costs.
- Obamacare Alternatives in Cypress, Texas
Paying too much for Obamacare in Cypress, TX? Healthy, tobacco-free families over 400% FPL may qualify for lower premiums. Local licensed agent. Not for everyone.
- Over the Subsidy Cliff in Cypress? Here's What to Know
Over the 400% FPL subsidy cliff in Cypress, TX? See 2026 income limits and how healthy households may lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies.
- Cypress Families: The Right Plan for Each Member
Cypress family with one member needing prescriptions or pre-existing coverage? Keep them on ACA and place healthy members on separate products to lower costs.
- Obamacare Alternatives in Richmond, Texas
Paying too much for Obamacare in Richmond, TX? Healthy, tobacco-free families over 400% FPL may qualify for lower premiums. Local licensed agent. Not for everyone.
- Over the Subsidy Cliff in Richmond? Here's What to Know
Over the 400% FPL subsidy cliff in Richmond, TX? See 2026 income limits and how healthy households may lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies.
- Richmond Families: The Right Plan for Each Member
Richmond family with one member needing prescriptions or pre-existing coverage? Keep them on ACA and place healthy members on separate products to lower costs.
- Obamacare Alternatives in Brookshire, Texas
Paying too much for Obamacare in Brookshire, TX? Healthy, tobacco-free families over 400% FPL may qualify for lower premiums. Local licensed agent. Not for everyone.
- Over the Subsidy Cliff in Brookshire? Here's What to Know
Over the 400% FPL subsidy cliff in Brookshire, TX? See 2026 income limits and how healthy households may lower premiums. Not everyone qualifies.
- Brookshire Families: The Right Plan for Each Member
Brookshire family with one member needing prescriptions or pre-existing coverage? Keep them on ACA and place healthy members on separate products to lower costs.
See if your household qualifies for a lower premium
Free review with a licensed Texas agent based in Katy. We'll tell you honestly if the ACA is still your best fit.
Frequently asked questions
Want a licensed agent to run your numbers? Call 800-214-8976 or book a free call. Shopping during open enrollment? See the ACA & Medicare enrollment deadlines — apply by December 15 for a January 1 start.