2027 Covered California Income Limits, Subsidies and Enhanced Silver
Planning for 2027 Covered California coverage starts with your expected household income, tax household size, ZIP code, ages and access to other qualifying coverage. This guide explains the income benchmarks used for 2027 coverage and how they relate to premium tax credits, Medi-Cal and Enhanced Silver cost-sharing reductions.
Important: This guide is current as of September 2026. Final eligibility and monthly savings are determined by Covered California using your complete application. Federal or state rules may change.
2027 income limits at a glance
For 2027 marketplace coverage, the applicable poverty-level benchmarks are based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines in effect when open enrollment begins. California uses the guideline for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.
Household size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 400% FPL |
1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $58,020 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $154,720 |
6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $66,540 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $177,440 |
Amounts are annual household income. Percentages are rounded to the nearest dollar, so an official eligibility result may differ slightly.
What each income level can mean
Up to about 138% FPL: Most adults who meet California's other eligibility rules are generally screened for Medi-Cal.
100% to 250% FPL: People who qualify for marketplace financial help may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions when they choose an Enhanced Silver plan.
100% to 150% FPL: Enhanced Silver 94 generally provides the strongest reduction in deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs.
Above 150% through 200% FPL: Enhanced Silver 87 may be available.
Above 200% through 250% FPL: Enhanced Silver 73 may be available.
Premium tax credits: The amount is not a flat income-limit payment. It depends on household income, family size, ages, location, benchmark-plan premium and access to other qualifying coverage.
What changed for 2027
Enhanced federal premium tax credits ended after 2025 unless Congress restores them, so 2027 assistance may be less generous than it was from 2021 through 2025.
Beginning in 2027, eligibility for financial help changes for certain immigrant groups. Covered California advises consumers to check the rules that apply to their immigration status.
For the 2026 tax year filed in 2027, excess advance premium tax credits may have to be repaid in full rather than being capped by income. Report income and household changes promptly.
How to estimate household income
Use the expected modified adjusted gross income for everyone in your tax household for the year of coverage—not simply last year's income. Include a spouse and tax dependents when required, even if they are not applying for coverage.
Wages, salaries, tips and self-employment profit
Taxable Social Security benefits and most retirement income
Investment income, rental income and other taxable income
Certain non-taxable income included under marketplace MAGI rules
If income is variable, start with a reasonable annual estimate and update the application when earnings, household members or access to employer coverage changes.
Enhanced Silver versus a premium tax credit
These forms of help reduce different costs. A premium tax credit lowers the monthly premium. A cost-sharing reduction lowers deductibles, copays, coinsurance and the annual out-of-pocket maximum. Cost-sharing reductions generally require enrollment in an eligible Enhanced Silver plan.
Three steps before choosing a plan
Estimate 2027 household income and confirm who belongs in the tax household.
Compare the net monthly premium after financial help, not just the full price.
Check doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, deductible and maximum out-of-pocket costs before enrolling.
Frequently asked questions
Is 400% FPL always the subsidy cutoff?
Under the baseline Affordable Care Act rules, federal premium tax credit eligibility generally ends above 400% FPL. Exact eligibility still depends on the full application, and future federal legislation could change the rule.
Do I automatically get Enhanced Silver below 250% FPL?
No. You must meet the eligibility rules and select the applicable Enhanced Silver plan. Choosing Bronze, Gold or Platinum generally does not provide the same cost-sharing reduction.
Can I use this table as an official eligibility decision?
No. It is an educational planning tool. Covered California and Medi-Cal make official eligibility determinations after reviewing the application.
Official sources
See the 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines for the base income figures.
Review Covered California's explanation of financial help and cost-sharing reductions.
Check Covered California's current federal changes for 2026 and 2027.
Covered California Certified Agent provides independent educational and enrollment assistance. This page is not legal or tax advice and is not an official eligibility determination.
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