ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator

New York ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator 2026

New York benchmark silver plan: $817/mo (age 40). The subsidy cliff for a single person is $62,600.

SLCSP (age 40): $817/mo
Medicaid Expanded: Yes
Exchange: State
400% FPL (single): $62,600
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New York 2026 Subsidy Cliff Thresholds (400% FPL)

Household Size400% FPL CliffMax 9.96% Premium
1 person$62,600$6,235/yr
2 people$84,600$8,426/yr
3 people$106,600$10,617/yr
4 people$128,600$12,809/yr
5 people$150,600$15,000/yr
6 people$172,600$17,191/yr

Source: HHS 2025 FPL Guidelines (48 contiguous states). Max premium = 9.96% of income at 300-400% FPL (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25).

How the ACA Subsidy Cliff Works in New York

New York residents shopping for 2026 health insurance on the New York state-based marketplace face the return of the 400% FPL subsidy cliff. The benchmark second-lowest-cost silver plan (SLCSP) in New York averages $817/month for a 40-year-old — and because New York uses community rating, this premium doesn't vary by age.

Since New York has expanded Medicaid, residents with income below 138% FPL (about $21,597 for an individual) may qualify for Medicaid rather than marketplace coverage. The subsidy cliff primarily affects New York residents earning between 138% and 400% FPL.

The calculator above uses New York-specific SLCSP data and the standard federal poverty guidelines 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 New York for 2026?

For a single person in New York, the 400% FPL cliff is $62,600. For a couple, it's $84,600. For a family of 4, it's $128,600. These are the same as all other contiguous U.S. 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 New York?

The average benchmark silver plan (SLCSP) in New York for a 40-year-old is approximately $817/month in 2026. Your actual premium varies by county, age, and tobacco use. New York uses community rating, meaning premiums don't vary by age. For your exact SLCSP, visit your state marketplace or use the IRS SLCSP lookup tool.

Did New York expand Medicaid?

Yes, New York has expanded Medicaid. Residents with income up to approximately 138% FPL (about $21,597 for a single person) may qualify for Medicaid rather than marketplace coverage. The ACA subsidy cliff calculator is most relevant for New York residents with income between 138% and 400% FPL.

Where do New York residents shop for health insurance?

New York uses a state-based marketplace. You can browse plans and enroll at https://nystateofhealth.ny.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 New York?

The same federal strategies apply in New York: 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 $62,600 for a single person. The optimizer above calculates the exact amounts needed for your situation.

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