2027 ACA Subsidy Cliff Calculator for South Carolina
For 2027, help paying for a Marketplace plan stops completely once your household income goes over 400% of the federal poverty level. A few dollars over the line can cost you thousands. Enter your numbers to see where you stand.
How the 2027 cliff works
The enhanced subsidies that capped what people paid expired at the end of 2025. For 2027, the original rules are back:
- Between 100% and 400% of the poverty level, you're expected to pay a set share of your income for the benchmark Silver plan, from 2.15% to 10.22%. The tax credit covers the rest.
- Above 400%, there's no help at all. You pay the full price, which for people in their late 50s and early 60s can be well over $1,000 a month.
- Below 100%, South Carolina hasn't expanded Medicaid, so most adults in this range don't qualify for Marketplace help either. Check whether you qualify for Healthy Connections Medicaid.
The 400% line for 2027 coverage
| Household size | 100% of poverty level | 400% (the cliff) |
|---|
2027 coverage uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states.
New for 2026 and later: no cap on paying it back. Your tax credit is based on your income estimate. If your actual income comes in higher, you repay the extra when you file your taxes, and there's no longer a limit on how much. If you end up over 400%, you could owe back the whole year's credit.
Ways people stay under the line
Your Marketplace income is your modified adjusted gross income, so some things that lower your taxable income can also lower it. Common examples:
- Contributing to a traditional 401(k), 403(b) or deductible IRA
- Contributing to a Health Savings Account with an HSA-eligible plan
- Self-employed health insurance and retirement deductions
- Timing when you take retirement withdrawals or sell investments
This is general education, not tax advice. Talk with your tax preparer before making changes.
Close to the line? Let's look at it together.
Jennifer or Ben can check your income estimate, look up your benchmark plan and compare your 2027 options. Pick a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
Sources
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2026-26: 2027 applicable percentage table
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- KFF: 9 Things to Watch for the 2027 ACA Open Enrollment Period
This calculator gives an estimate only. Your actual tax credit is set by HealthCare.gov and finalized on your tax return. Some people, including those offered affordable job-based coverage and some non-citizens, may not qualify. Mauldin Insurance Group is a licensed independent insurance agency based in Lexington, SC. Your premium is the same whether you enroll with us or on your own.
