What Is the Minimum Income for Marketplace Coverage in 2027?

Short answer: for 2027 HealthCare.gov coverage, a single person in the 48 contiguous states or D.C. generally needs a household income of at least $15,960 (100% of the federal poverty level, or FPL) to qualify for a premium tax credit. In a state that expanded Medicaid, the practical floor is higher: about $22,025 (138% of FPL), because adults below that amount are generally routed to Medicaid instead.

These minimums apply to subsidies only. There is no minimum income to buy a Marketplace plan at full price.

2027 minimum income by household size

Coverage for plan year 2027 uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines.

For the full table, including the upper limits, see 2027 ACA Income Limits for Tax Credit Subsidies.

Which minimum applies in my state?

States that expanded Medicaid: 40 states and D.C. Adults with income up to 138% of FPL generally qualify for Medicaid, and anyone eligible for Medicaid cannot also get a premium tax credit.

States that have not expanded Medicaid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In these states the subsidy minimum is 100% of FPL. Wisconsin is a partial exception, because its Medicaid program covers adults up to 100% of FPL.

Some states run other low-income programs with their own limits, so the Marketplace application is the final word on what you qualify for.

What if my income is below the minimum in a non-expansion state?

You generally will not qualify for a premium tax credit, and you may not qualify for Medicaid either. This is often called the coverage gap. You can still buy a plan at full price. It is also worth completing the application, since children, pregnant people, seniors and people with disabilities can have different Medicaid rules.

Are the numbers different in Alaska and Hawaii?

Yes. For a single person, 100% of FPL is $19,950 in Alaska and $18,360 in Hawaii. At 138% of FPL, that is about $27,531 in Alaska and $25,337 in Hawaii.

What income counts?

The Marketplace uses your best estimate of your household's 2027 income, not what you earned last year. It is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for everyone on your tax return. Medicaid works differently, because it generally looks at your current monthly income. For a single adult, 138% of FPL is about $1,835 per month.

You may be asked for documents that support your estimate, so keep pay stubs or self-employment records handy.

What if my 2027 income ends up below my estimate?

If you received advance tax credits based on an honest estimate of at least 100% of FPL, and your income ends up lower, you are still treated as eligible when you file your taxes. This protection does not apply if you intentionally or recklessly gave the Marketplace incorrect information.

What if my income ends up higher?

You may have to pay back some or all of your advance credit at tax time. Starting with the 2026 tax year, repayment caps no longer apply, so report income changes as they happen. See If I Underestimate My Income to Get a Subsidy, What Will Happen?

How much would I pay at the minimum income?

For 2027, a household below 133% of FPL is expected to pay 2.15% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. For a single person earning $15,960, that is about $343 per year, or roughly $29 per month. Your actual cost depends on the plan you choose. Incomes at this level can also qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays.

Is there also a maximum income?

Yes. Premium tax credits end above 400% of FPL, which is $63,840 for a single person in the contiguous states, because the enhanced credits expired at the end of 2025. Learn more in Premium Tax Credits for 2027 Marketplace Plans: The Complete Guide.

Does meeting the income minimum guarantee a subsidy?

No. You must also meet the other rules. For example, you generally cannot get a tax credit if you have access to affordable employer coverage (for 2027, employee-only coverage costing no more than 10.22% of household income), and married couples generally must file jointly. Starting in 2027, some lawfully present immigrants are no longer eligible.

When do I need to enroll?

On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment for 2027 runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Choose a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027. State exchanges can set different dates.

Need help checking your numbers?

Our licensed agents can help you estimate your income and compare 2027 plans at no cost to you. Call 855-847-7020 or schedule an appointment.

Updated for the 2027 plan year. Last reviewed November 2, 2026. This article is general information, not tax advice.

Sources: HHS 2026 poverty guidelines; IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26; 26 CFR 1.36B-2; CMS plan year 2027 fact sheet; KFF Medicaid expansion tracker; Wisconsin DHS BadgerCare Plus income limits.