How much the cliff costs in Massachusetts
Estimated 2027 premium tax credit for households earning exactly the 400% limit, using Massachusetts's average benchmark premium. One dollar more and the credit drops to $0.
| Household | 400% FPL limit | Benchmark premium | Yearly subsidy at the limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, age 40 | $63,840 | $568/mo | $292 |
| Single, age 60 | $63,840 | $926/mo | $4,588 |
| Couple, both 60 | $86,560 | $1,852/mo | $13,379 |
| Family of 4 (45, 45, 12, 10) | $132,000 | $1,899/mo | $9,295 |
Benchmark premiums are Massachusetts averages for 2027 (estimated). Massachusetts limits age rating so the oldest adult pays at most twice the youngest; we approximate its curve. Prices in your county can be higher or lower. Applicable percentage: 10.22% at the limit (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26).
2027 income limits in Massachusetts
Marketplace subsidies for 2027 use the 2026 poverty guidelines (HHS 2026 poverty guidelines).
| Household | 100% | 138% | 200% | 250% | 400% (cliff) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $177,440 |
Estimated 2027 benchmark premiums by age in Massachusetts
Full monthly price of the second-cheapest silver plan before subsidies, for one person:
| Age 21 | Age 30 | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 | Age 64 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $499 | $532 | $568 | $695 | $926 | $997 |
Massachusetts 2026 average for age 40 ($494, KFF) × 1.15 for 2027. Massachusetts limits age rating so the oldest adult pays at most twice the youngest; we approximate its curve. Real 2027 prices are published when open enrollment begins.
Medicaid and low-income coverage in Massachusetts
Massachusetts expanded Medicaid, so adults with income up to 138% of the poverty line (about $22,025 for one person or $45,540 for four) can usually get Medicaid instead of a marketplace plan. Starting in 2027, federal law requires most adults 19 to 64 in this group to show 80 hours a month of work, school or community service unless exempt; states may get extensions to 2028 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21)).
Staying under the cliff
If your income is close to $63,840 (single) or $86,560 (couple), pre-tax 401(k), HSA and traditional IRA contributions lower the income the marketplace counts. See how to lower your MAGI, or run your exact numbers in the Massachusetts calculator. Already enrolled in 2026? Check whether you'll owe money back at tax time.