Covered California
Covered California Income Limits for 2027: Subsidies, Eligibility, and Household Income Guide
Covered California income limits for 2027 are an important starting point when estimating premium assistance, but there is no single income cutoff that guarantees a specific subsidy. Your household size, projected annual household income, age, ZIP code, access to other qualifying coverage and the plans available in your area all matter.
For 2027, California expanded its state premium subsidy program to eligible consumers with household income up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Covered California identifies that level as $31,920 for one person and $66,000 for a family of four. This guide explains how to use those figures, what income usually counts and why your application should be updated when circumstances change.
Quick answer: What are the 2027 Covered California income limits?
For the 48 contiguous states, the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines—which Covered California cites for the 2027 state subsidy threshold—start at $15,960 for one person and increase by $5,680 for each additional household member. The table below shows useful reference points. These figures are guides, not a guarantee of eligibility or a final premium.
| Tax household size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
These annual figures are calculated from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Program rules, rounding and the guidelines used for a particular eligibility determination may change. Always rely on Covered California’s current eligibility result for your household.
What financial help may be available in 2027?
Federal premium tax credits
The premium tax credit can reduce the amount you pay each month for a Covered California plan. Eligibility is not based on income alone. Tax filing status, household composition, immigration status and access to affordable employer-sponsored or other minimum essential coverage can affect the result. The amount also varies with age, location and the benchmark plan premium.
California’s state premium subsidy
Covered California announced that eligible Californians with income up to 200% FPL may receive state financial help for 2027. That is why the $31,920 one-person and $66,000 four-person figures are especially important this year. “Up to 200% FPL” does not mean every household in that range receives the same amount or a $0 premium.
Enhanced Silver cost-sharing reductions
Households earning up to 250% FPL may qualify for lower deductibles, copays, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums through an Enhanced Silver plan. This extra cost-sharing assistance generally requires selecting an eligible Silver 73, Silver 87 or Silver 94 plan. A low-premium Bronze plan may still cost more when care is used, so compare total costs—not only the monthly premium.
Medi-Cal
Many adults with lower household income may qualify for Medi-Cal instead of a Covered California plan. Different limits and rules can apply to children, pregnant people and other eligibility groups. Covered California’s application can screen household members for the appropriate program.
How Covered California determines household income
Financial help is generally based on your expected annual household income for the coverage year, using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules. Your “household” usually follows your federal tax household—not simply everyone living at the same address. It commonly includes the tax filer, a spouse and tax dependents.
Income that commonly counts includes:
- Taxable wages, salaries and tips
- Net self-employment income after allowable business expenses
- Unemployment compensation
- Social Security and SSDI benefits
- Pensions, retirement income and most investment income
- Certain foreign income and alimony, depending on applicable tax rules
Items that generally do not count include child support, gifts, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans’ disability payments, workers’ compensation, loan proceeds and the Child Tax Credit. Individual tax circumstances can differ, so consult a qualified tax professional for tax advice.
Why an accurate 2027 income estimate matters
Advance premium tax credits are based on the income estimate in your application and are reconciled on your federal tax return. If your actual income is higher than projected, you may have received more advance assistance than you qualified for. Covered California states that beginning with the 2026 tax year, excess financial-help repayment is no longer capped by income. Updating your application after a raise, job loss, marriage, divorce, birth or change in self-employment income can reduce an unpleasant tax-time surprise.
For a detailed explanation, read Covered California Income Reporting in 2027: Why Updating Your Estimate Matters.
2027 application checklist
- Identify everyone in your federal tax household and expected filing status.
- Estimate each household member’s 2027 income from all countable sources.
- For self-employment, use expected net income rather than gross business receipts.
- Report access to employer coverage and review whether it meets affordability and minimum-value rules.
- Compare premiums, provider networks, prescriptions, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs.
- Update Covered California promptly if household or income information changes.
Get help reviewing your Covered California options
Skyline Benefit can help California individuals and families review household information, compare available Covered California plans and complete an application. Our Covered California enrollment assistance is provided at no additional cost to you.
Call (714) 888-5112 or request a Covered California consultation.
Official sources
- Covered California: 2027 rates and expanded state subsidy
- U.S. HHS: 2026 Poverty Guidelines
- Covered California: Federal poverty level and Enhanced Silver plans
- Covered California: What counts as income
- Covered California: Important program changes
This article is for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal or eligibility advice. Program rules, rates and financial-help amounts can change. Confirm your result through Covered California and current plan documents.