TaxCliffs

South Carolina ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator 2026

South Carolina benchmark silver plan: $564/mo (age 40). The subsidy cliff for a single person is $62,600.

SLCSP (age 40): $564/mo
Medicaid Expanded: No
Exchange: Federal
400% FPL (single): $62,600
About YouIncomeYour Plan

Tell us about your household

South Carolina 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 South Carolina

South Carolina 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 South Carolina averages $564/month for a 40-year-old — adjusted up or down by the federal 3:1 age curve for other ages.

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

The calculator above uses South Carolina-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 South Carolina for 2026?

For a single person in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina?

The average benchmark silver plan (SLCSP) in South Carolina for a 40-year-old is approximately $564/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 South Carolina expand Medicaid?

No, South Carolina 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 South Carolina residents with income between 100% and 400% FPL.

Where do South Carolina residents shop for health insurance?

South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

The same federal strategies apply in South Carolina: 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.

More Retirement Tax Tools for South Carolina

ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculators for Other States