About & methodology

CliffSafe is a free, independent set of calculators that helps people buying their own health insurance understand the ACA subsidy cliff. All calculations run in your browser. We do not collect or store the numbers you enter.

Sources

• Applicable percentage tables: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25 (2026) and Rev. Proc. 2026-26 (2027).
• Poverty guidelines: HHS 2025 guidelines (2026 coverage) and 2026 guidelines (2027 coverage).
• Repayment cap repeal: One Big Beautiful Bill Act §71305, effective for tax years after 2025.
• Immigrant eligibility changes: One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective 2027.
• Age rating: CMS federal default standard age curve.
• HSA limits: IRS announcements for 2026 and 2027.

Estimates and limitations

When you do not enter your own benchmark premium, we estimate it from the national average benchmark for a 40-year-old ($712/month for 2027, based on the 2026 average of $625 plus the 14% median proposed increase), adjusted by age. Real benchmarks vary widely by county, so enter yours for accurate results. We do not model cost-sharing reductions, tobacco surcharges, or state-funded subsidies such as those in California, New Jersey, New Mexico and others.

Last updated October 7, 2026. If Congress changes subsidy rules, we will update the calculators.