ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator

Texas ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator 2026

Texas benchmark silver plan: $661/mo (age 40). The subsidy cliff for a single person is $62,600.

SLCSP (age 40): $661/mo
Medicaid Expanded: No
Exchange: Federal
400% FPL (single): $62,600
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Texas 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 Texas

Texas 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 Texas averages $661/month for a 40-year-old — adjusted up or down by the federal 3:1 age curve for other ages.

Texas has not expanded Medicaid, which means there is a coverage gap for some low-income residents. The ACA subsidy cliff is most relevant for Texas residents with income between 100% and 400% FPL.

The calculator above uses Texas-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 Texas for 2026?

For a single person in Texas, 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 Texas?

The average benchmark silver plan (SLCSP) in Texas for a 40-year-old is approximately $661/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 Texas expand Medicaid?

No, Texas has not expanded Medicaid. This means there may be a coverage gap for residents between 0-100% FPL who don't qualify for either Medicaid or marketplace subsidies. The ACA subsidy cliff calculator is relevant for Texas residents with income between 100% and 400% FPL.

Where do Texas residents shop for health insurance?

Texas 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 Texas?

The same federal strategies apply in Texas: 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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