Who is eligible for Marketplace premium tax credits?

Premium tax credits are available to U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present immigrants who purchase coverage in the Marketplace and who have income at least as high as 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) ($15,650 for a single adult or $32,150 for a family of four in 2026). In the past, lawfully present immigrants who made less than 100% of the federal poverty level could also receive help paying premiums and cost-sharing for coverage through the Marketplace if they could not enroll in Medicaid due to immigration status. Currently, however, individuals who are ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status are no longer eligible for subsidized Marketplace coverage.

In addition, to be eligible for premium tax credits, individuals must not be eligible for public coverage—including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare, or military coverage—and must not have access to health insurance through an employer. (There is an exception in cases when the employer plan is unaffordable because the employee share of the premium exceeds 9.96% of the employee’s income in 2026. There is also an exception in cases where the employer plan doesn’t meet minimum value standard.)

If your income is below 100% of the FPL, you typically will not qualify for premium tax credits under Marketplace plans. Check with your state Marketplace to find out what other options may be available to you.