2027 ACA Marketplace Guide: Subsidies, Income Limits, and the 2027 Cheat Sheet

Open Enrollment for 2027 ACA Marketplace coverage starts November 1, 2026. It's the second year in a row without the enhanced premium subsidies that expired at the end of 2025, and several new rules kick in on January 1, 2027 that change how much you can owe at tax time, who qualifies for help, and what plans cost.

This guide covers where subsidies stand, what's new for 2027, and a full cheat sheet with the 2027 income limits (based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines), premium contribution percentages, out-of-pocket maximums, and key dates. Every figure is sourced from HHS, the IRS, CMS, or Healthcare.gov. Full source list at the bottom.

Just need the numbers? Jump to the 2027 cheat sheet or open the full 2027 ACA & Subsidy Cheat Sheet.

Where Subsidies Stand for 2027

In practice that means two things for 2027:

• The 400% FPL subsidy cliff stays in place. For a single person, that's $63,840 of household income for 2027 coverage. For a family of four, it's $132,000. One dollar over the line and the premium tax credit drops to zero.
• Everyone below the cliff pays a slightly higher share of income. The IRS raised the expected contribution percentages for 2027. The top rate (300% to 400% FPL) goes from 9.96% in 2026 to 10.22% in 2027.

Higher sticker prices matter less if you get a subsidy, because the tax credit grows with the benchmark Silver premium. They matter a lot if you're above 400% FPL and paying full price, or if your current carrier is leaving your area.

2027 ACA Key Numbers Cheat Sheet

Federal Poverty Level thresholds (2026 guidelines, used for 2027 subsidies)

Premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and Medicaid eligibility are all measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The ACA uses the prior year's guidelines, so 2027 Marketplace coverage uses the 2026 poverty guidelines published by HHS in January 2026. Here are the thresholds for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.:

Key thresholds at a glance

• 138% FPL ($22,025 single / $45,540 family of 4): Medicaid eligibility line for adults in the 41 states plus D.C. that expanded Medicaid. Below this, most adults route to Medicaid instead of the Marketplace.
• 150% FPL ($23,940 / $49,500): Upper limit for the strongest cost-sharing reduction (94% actuarial value Silver).
• 200% FPL ($31,920 / $66,000): Upper limit for the 87% AV Silver tier.
• 250% FPL ($39,900 / $82,500): Upper limit for any cost-sharing reduction (73% AV Silver).
• 400% FPL ($63,840 / $132,000): The subsidy cliff. Above this, no premium tax credit for 2027.

Expected premium contribution (2027 applicable percentages)

This is the share of household income you're expected to pay for the benchmark (second-lowest-cost) Silver plan. The premium tax credit covers the rest. Within each band, the percentage rises on a sliding scale.

Out-of-pocket maximums (2027)

Other 2027 numbers

• Employer affordability threshold: 10.22% of household income (up from 9.96%). If the employee's share of the lowest-cost self-only plan is above this, the employer offer is "unaffordable" and the family may qualify for Marketplace subsidies. Family members are measured against the cost of family coverage.
• HSA contribution limits: $4,500 self-only / $9,000 family.
• Excess APTC repayment cap: None. Full repayment applies starting tax year 2026.
• Catastrophic plans: Under 30, or 30+ with a hardship or affordability exemption.

Open Enrollment dates for 2027 coverage

• November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment begins on Healthcare.gov.
• December 15, 2026: Last day to enroll or switch plans for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
• January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends on Healthcare.gov. Enrollments from December 16 to January 15 start February 1.
• State-run exchanges: Several states (including California, New York, and New Jersey) set their own deadlines, some running later into January. Check your state exchange.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Life events that open a 60-day window to enroll or change plans outside Open Enrollment:

• Losing other coverage (job loss, COBRA ending, aging off a parent's plan, losing Medicaid at renewal)
• Marriage, divorce, or legal separation
• Having a baby, adoption, or foster placement
• Moving to a new area with different plan options
• Gaining eligible immigration status

Note: the low-income SEP that let people under 150% FPL enroll any month no longer comes with premium tax credits.

Looking for last year's numbers? See our 2026 ACA Marketplace by the Numbers post and the 2026 ACA & Subsidy Cheat Sheet.

What's New for 2027

1. No more cap on paying back subsidies at tax time

This is the change most people don't know about yet. Starting with tax year 2026 (the return you file in spring 2027), the One Big Beautiful Bill Act removed the limits on repaying excess advance premium tax credits. Before, a lower-income household that underestimated its income would owe back at most a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Now, if your actual income comes in higher than you estimated, you repay the full difference.

For 2027, that makes your income estimate the single most important number on your application. Self-employed clients, gig workers, and anyone with bonuses, commissions, or variable hours should build a realistic estimate and update the Marketplace mid-year if income changes.

2. Out-of-pocket maximum jumps to $12,000

The maximum out-of-pocket limit for 2027 Marketplace plans is $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a family, up from $10,600 and $21,200 in 2026. Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions still carry much lower limits (see the cheat sheet below).

3. Narrower eligibility for some lawfully present immigrants

Beginning with plan year 2027, premium tax credits are limited to lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants. Other lawfully present immigrants who qualified in prior years may lose subsidy eligibility for 2027 and should review their options before December 15.

4. Carrier exits in more than 20 states

Hundreds of thousands of enrollees have plans that end December 31, 2026 because their insurer is leaving the Marketplace in their area. If you get a discontinuation notice, you'll be auto-matched to a new plan, but it may not include your doctors or be your cheapest option. Shop actively.

5. Bronze and Catastrophic plans are HSA-eligible

All Marketplace Bronze and Catastrophic plans are treated as HSA-compatible. For 2027 you can contribute up to $4,500 (self-only) or $9,000 (family) to a Health Savings Account, which lowers your taxable income and can help you stay under the 400% FPL line.

6. Medicaid work requirements and 6-month renewals

States must begin Medicaid community engagement requirements by January 2027 for expansion adults ages 19 to 64: 80 hours per month of work, school, job training, or volunteering, with exemptions for parents of children 13 and under, pregnant members, people who are medically frail, and others. Many of the same adults will also move to renewals every 6 months instead of every 12. Expect more people moving between Medicaid and the Marketplace in 2027.

7. State changes worth knowing

• Oregon moves from Healthcare.gov to its own state-run exchange for 2027.
• Virginia adds state-funded premium help for households between 138% and 250% FPL.
• Rhode Island budgeted state money to partially replace the expired federal enhancements.

How to Prepare for 2027 Open Enrollment

• Don't auto-renew. Premiums, carriers, and networks are changing. Your 2026 plan may not be your best 2027 plan, or it may not exist.
• Build a careful income estimate. With no repayment cap, an estimate that's too low can turn into a large tax bill. If you're self-employed, use your best projection of net profit, not last year's number.
• Check where you sit against 400% FPL. If you're close, pre-tax retirement contributions (401(k), traditional IRA, SEP-IRA) and HSA contributions can lower your MAGI and keep you eligible for a subsidy worth thousands.
• Compare total annual cost, not just premium. Below 250% FPL, a Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions often beats a $0 Bronze plan once you add deductibles and copays.
• Watch for Medicaid renewal notices. With 6-month renewals and work requirements starting, respond quickly to anything from your state Medicaid office.
• Talk to a licensed agent. We compare plans across carriers and run the numbers with you. Our help costs you nothing.

What We Saw in Our 2026 Book

During 2026 Open Enrollment, the first year without enhanced subsidies, here's what HealthPlan Moms clients actually paid:

Based on over 2,500 ACA Marketplace enrollments across 30+ states during 2026 Open Enrollment

Even without the enhanced subsidies, most families who shop with an agent still find affordable coverage. The 2027 formula is very close to 2026, so we expect a similar picture this year for clients under 400% FPL. The households that need the most help are those near the cliff and those whose carrier is leaving.

The Bottom Line

2027 looks a lot like 2026 on subsidies: the original ACA formula, a 400% FPL cliff at $63,840 for a single person, and slightly higher contribution percentages. What's different is the fine print. Full subsidy repayment at tax time, a $12,000 out-of-pocket max, narrower immigrant eligibility, Medicaid work requirements, and carrier exits all make this a year to review your coverage carefully instead of letting it roll over.

If Congress revives the enhanced subsidies, we'll update this page. Until then, plan around the numbers above.