Texas has one of the largest ACA Marketplace enrollments in the country, with more than 4.2 million Texans signed up for 2026 coverage. Nearly 92% of those enrollees receive advance premium tax credits (APTCs) averaging $667 per month. If you are uninsured or shopping for 2026 coverage, your household income compared to the federal poverty level (FPL) determines what subsidies you can get and how much you will pay each month.
This guide covers the 2026 income limits for Texas ACA subsidies, who qualifies, what plans cost after assistance, and how to apply through HealthCare.gov.
What Are the Texas ACA Income Limits for 2026?
ACA subsidies in Texas run from 100% to 400% of the FPL. The income thresholds below are based on the 2025 FPL figures, which the IRS uses to calculate 2026 premium tax credits.
Important note: Texas has not expanded Medicaid. Adults earning below 100% FPL who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid fall into a coverage gap with no access to subsidized marketplace plans. The tables below apply only to those earning at or above 100% FPL.
2026 ACA Subsidy Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | 100% FPL (minimum) | 138% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL (maximum) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $21,597 | $23,475 | $31,300 | $39,125 | $46,950 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $29,187 | $31,725 | $42,300 | $52,875 | $63,450 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $36,777 | $39,975 | $53,300 | $66,625 | $79,950 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $44,367 | $48,225 | $64,300 | $80,375 | $96,450 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $51,957 | $56,475 | $75,300 | $94,125 | $113,100 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $59,547 | $64,725 | $86,300 | $107,875 | $129,450 | $172,600 |
Add approximately $5,500 per additional person beyond 6 for each FPL threshold.
What These Income Levels Mean for Your Subsidies
100% to 150% FPL: Households in this range pay the smallest share of their income toward the benchmark Silver plan premium. In 2026, those at 100% to 150% FPL pay roughly 0% to 3% of income toward premiums, and many qualify for $0 monthly premiums on certain plans. They also receive the highest level of cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans.
150% to 200% FPL: Enrollees contribute roughly 3% to 6.6% of their annual income toward the benchmark premium. CSRs still apply on Silver plans, reducing deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums significantly.
200% to 250% FPL: Premium contributions run from approximately 6.6% to 8.7% of income. CSRs continue up to 250% FPL on Silver plans but at a reduced level compared to lower income brackets.
250% to 400% FPL: Subsidies still apply, reducing monthly premiums. The contribution percentage rises with income, topping out at 8.5% to 10% of household income toward the benchmark plan. No CSRs at this level.
Above 400% FPL: The subsidy cliff returned in 2026. Texans earning above 400% FPL no longer receive premium tax credits. This is a significant change from 2024 and 2025, when enhanced subsidies removed the income ceiling entirely.
What Changed for Texas ACA in 2026?
The biggest shift for 2026 is the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits that Congress passed as part of the American Rescue Plan (2021) and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act (2022). Those credits are no longer in effect.
Key changes for 2026:
- The 400% FPL subsidy cliff is back. Households above $62,600 (single) or $128,600 (family of four) receive no premium tax credit.
- Applicable percentages, the share of income you pay toward premiums, are higher than in 2024 and 2025. A household at 200% FPL now contributes 6.6% of income, up from lower percentages in prior years.
- Average net premiums rose from $57/month in 2025 to approximately $89/month in 2026 due to the subsidy reduction.
- Texas insurers load Silver plan premiums with a 40% cost-sharing reduction surcharge. This makes Gold plans competitively priced compared to Silver in many Texas counties.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) in Texas
Cost-sharing reductions lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum. They are only available on Silver-tier plans and only if your income falls at or below 250% FPL.
| Income Level | Silver Plan Actuarial Value | Effect |
|---|
| 100% to 150% FPL | 94% | Very low deductibles, minimal out-of-pocket costs |
| 150% to 200% FPL | 87% | Reduced deductibles and copays |
| 200% to 250% FPL | 73% | Moderate cost-sharing reductions |
| Above 250% FPL | 70% (standard) | No CSR benefit |
Because Texas requires insurers to load the Silver CSR cost into Silver premiums, some Texans at higher incomes find that Gold plans cost less per month than Silver plans while offering better coverage. Comparing across all metal tiers on HealthCare.gov is worth the extra time.
Texas Marketplace Plan Costs in 2026
After premium tax credits, Texas enrollees pay roughly:
- 50% of enrollees: under $10 per month
- Average across all enrollees: approximately $89 per month
- Enrollees receiving APTCs: average subsidy of $667 per month reduces their gross premium substantially
Plan tiers available in Texas for 2026:
| Plan Tier | What You Pay (Premiums) | Best For |
|---|
| Bronze | Lowest monthly premium | Healthy individuals who rarely use care |
| Silver | Mid-range premium; only tier with CSRs | Those earning under 250% FPL |
| Gold | Higher premium, lower deductible | Those who use care regularly |
| Platinum | Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket | High utilizers |
Catastrophic plans are also available for adults under 30 or those with hardship exemptions.
The Texas Medicaid Coverage Gap
Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults without dependent children do not qualify for Texas Medicaid regardless of income unless they are pregnant, disabled, elderly, or meet another specific category.
This creates a coverage gap affecting an estimated 617,000 to 920,000 Texans. Adults earning below 100% FPL, approximately $15,650 for a single person, fall into this gap:
- Too poor to qualify for marketplace subsidies (which start at 100% FPL)
- Not eligible for Texas Medicaid unless they meet a specific category
If you are in the coverage gap, options include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), county indigent health programs, and hospital charity care programs. A free eligibility check at BenefitsUSA can help identify any programs you may qualify for.
Who Qualifies for Texas ACA Marketplace Coverage?
To qualify for marketplace subsidies in Texas, you must meet all of the following:
- Income at or above 100% FPL (approximately $15,650 for one person, using 2025 FPL figures for 2026 subsidies)
- Income at or below 400% FPL for premium tax credits (subsidies cut off above this threshold in 2026)
- Texas residency and lawful presence in the United States
- No access to affordable employer coverage (employer plan costs you more than 9.02% of household income for employee-only coverage in 2026)
- Not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP (if you are eligible for those programs, you generally cannot use marketplace subsidies)
- Not incarcerated at the time of enrollment
How to Apply for ACA Coverage in Texas
Texas uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. There is no separate state exchange.
Open enrollment for 2026 coverage ran from November 1 through January 15, 2026. Outside of open enrollment, you can enroll only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Common Qualifying Events for a Special Enrollment Period
- Losing job-based coverage
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new zip code or county
- Losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP
- Turning 26 and losing coverage under a parent's plan
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Create or log in to your HealthCare.gov account
Go to HealthCare.gov and create an account or log in. You will need an email address and to create a password.
Step 2: Start a Marketplace application
Click "Apply for Coverage." You will enter your state (Texas), household size, and basic information for everyone applying.
Step 3: Enter your income
Provide your expected household income for the full year. Use your best estimate. If your income changes during the year, update your application to avoid owing money back at tax time. Use your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security income, and other taxable income.
Step 4: Review eligibility results
HealthCare.gov will display your estimated subsidy amount and whether anyone in your household may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. In Texas, CHIP covers children up to age 18 in households earning up to 201% FPL.
Step 5: Compare plans
Filter by metal tier, premium, deductible, and whether your doctors are in-network. For incomes under 250% FPL, compare Silver plans closely because CSRs make them much more valuable than the premium alone suggests.
Step 6: Enroll and pay your first premium
Select your plan and enroll. Coverage does not start until you pay your first month's premium directly to the insurance company. Keep your payment confirmation.
Step 7: Report income changes
If your income or household size changes, log back in and update your application. Changes can increase or reduce your monthly subsidy.
Getting Free Help with Your Texas Application
Free, unbiased enrollment assistance is available:
- Navigators: Community organizations certified by the federal government to provide free help. Find one at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov
- Certified Application Counselors: Free help at hospitals, community health centers, and nonprofits
- Licensed brokers: Can help compare plans; note that brokers only show plans that pay commission, which covers most but not all options on the marketplace
To find local help in your area, visit your Texas state benefits page.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these before starting your application:
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Proof of current health coverage (if any)
- Employer information and coverage details (if your employer offers insurance)
- Recent pay stubs or tax return (to estimate annual income)
- Bank account information (optional, for setting up premium payments)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum income to get ACA subsidies in Texas in 2026?
The subsidy cliff returned for 2026. Premium tax credits phase out entirely above 400% FPL. For a single person, that is approximately $62,600 per year. For a family of four, it is approximately $128,600 per year. Households above these thresholds pay full unsubsidized premiums.
What is the minimum income to qualify for ACA subsidies in Texas?
You need income at or above 100% FPL, which is approximately $15,650 for a single person in 2026. Because Texas has not expanded Medicaid, adults earning below this threshold fall into the coverage gap and cannot access marketplace subsidies.
Do immigrants qualify for Texas ACA marketplace coverage?
Lawfully present immigrants, including green card holders, visa holders, refugees, asylees, and others with qualifying immigration status, can apply for marketplace coverage and may qualify for subsidies. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for marketplace plans or premium tax credits.
Can I get ACA coverage if I am offered insurance through my job?
You can buy marketplace coverage, but you will not qualify for subsidies if your employer offers coverage that meets minimum value and affordability standards. In 2026, employer coverage is considered affordable if the employee-only premium does not exceed 9.02% of household income. If it costs more than that, you may qualify for marketplace subsidies even with an employer offer.
Are there ACA plans in every Texas county?
Yes. As of 2026, Texas has marketplace coverage available in all 254 counties. The number of carriers varies by county, with more urban areas having more plan options.
What happens if my income changes during the year?
Report income changes promptly at HealthCare.gov. If your income increases and you did not reduce your subsidy, you may owe the difference back when you file your federal taxes. If your income decreases, you can increase your subsidy and lower your monthly payments.
Can I keep my doctor with a marketplace plan in Texas?
Network coverage varies by plan. Before enrolling, use HealthCare.gov's plan finder to check whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network. Narrow-network plans typically have lower premiums but more restricted provider choices.
What is the Texas CHIP income limit for 2026?
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Texas covers children up to age 18 in households earning between 100% and 201% FPL, which is approximately $43,047 per year for a family of four. Children below 100% FPL may qualify for Medicaid. Use the BenefitsUSA free screener to check eligibility for both programs at once.
Use the BenefitsUSA free eligibility screener to find out exactly what you qualify for based on your household size, income, and location in Texas. The screener checks ACA subsidies, Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and other programs at the same time at no cost.
