ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator

Alaska ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator 2026

Alaska benchmark silver plan: $1032/mo (age 40). The subsidy cliff for a single person is $78,200.

SLCSP (age 40): $1032/mo
Medicaid Expanded: Yes
Exchange: Federal
400% FPL (single): $78,200
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Alaska 2026 Subsidy Cliff Thresholds (400% FPL)

Household Size400% FPL CliffMax 9.96% Premium
1 person$78,200$7,789/yr
2 people$105,720$10,530/yr
3 people$133,240$13,271/yr
4 people$160,760$16,012/yr
5 people$188,280$18,753/yr
6 people$215,800$21,494/yr

Source: HHS 2025 FPL Guidelines (Alaska). Max premium = 9.96% of income at 300-400% FPL (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25).

How the ACA Subsidy Cliff Works in Alaska

Alaska residents shopping for 2026 health insurance on the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov) face the return of the 400% FPL subsidy cliff. The benchmark second-lowest-cost silver plan (SLCSP) in Alaska averages $1032/month for a 40-year-old — adjusted up or down by the federal 3:1 age curve for other ages.

Since Alaska has expanded Medicaid, residents with income below 138% FPL (about $26,979 for an individual) may qualify for Medicaid rather than marketplace coverage. The subsidy cliff primarily affects Alaska residents earning between 138% and 400% FPL.

The calculator above uses Alaska-specific SLCSP data and the Alaska-specific federal poverty guidelines (higher than the contiguous 48 states) to calculate your exact subsidy and show how pre-tax contributions (HSA, IRA, Solo 401k) can help you stay below the cliff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACA subsidy cliff threshold in Alaska for 2026?

For a single person in Alaska, the 400% FPL cliff is $78,200. For a couple, it's $105,720. For a family of 4, it's $160,760. Alaska uses higher FPL thresholds than the contiguous 48 states. If your MAGI exceeds these amounts by even $1, you lose your entire premium tax credit.

How much is the benchmark silver plan in Alaska?

The average benchmark silver plan (SLCSP) in Alaska for a 40-year-old is approximately $1032/month in 2026. Your actual premium varies by county, age, and tobacco use. Premiums are age-adjusted using the federal 3:1 age curve. For your exact SLCSP, visit HealthCare.gov or use the IRS SLCSP lookup tool.

Did Alaska expand Medicaid?

Yes, Alaska has expanded Medicaid. Residents with income up to approximately 138% FPL (about $26,979 for a single person) may qualify for Medicaid rather than marketplace coverage. The ACA subsidy cliff calculator is most relevant for Alaska residents with income between 138% and 400% FPL.

Where do Alaska residents shop for health insurance?

Alaska uses a HealthCare.gov (federal marketplace). You can browse plans and enroll at https://www.healthcare.gov/. Open enrollment for 2026 plans typically runs from November 1 to January 15. To find your exact SLCSP premium for the calculator, use the tax tool at healthcare.gov/tax-tool.

How can I lower my MAGI to stay under the cliff in Alaska?

The same federal strategies apply in Alaska: contribute to an HSA (up to $4,400 individual / $8,750 family), Traditional IRA ($7,500, or $8,600 if 50+), or Solo 401(k) if self-employed ($24,500 + employer profit-sharing). These contributions reduce your MAGI, potentially bringing you below the 400% FPL cliff of $78,200 for a single person. The optimizer above calculates the exact amounts needed for your situation.

More Retirement Tax Tools for Alaska

ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculators for Other States