California ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator 2026
California benchmark silver plan: $570/mo (age 40). The subsidy cliff for a single person is $62,600.
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California 2026 Subsidy Cliff Thresholds (400% FPL)
| Household Size | 400% FPL Cliff | Max 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 California
California residents shopping for 2026 health insurance on the California state-based marketplace face the return of the 400% FPL subsidy cliff. The benchmark second-lowest-cost silver plan (SLCSP) in California averages $570/month for a 40-year-old — adjusted up or down by the federal 3:1 age curve for other ages.
Since California 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 California residents earning between 138% and 400% FPL.
The calculator above uses California-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.