Where to enroll
South Carolina uses the federally-facilitated marketplace — shop for plans and enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Visit HealthCare.gov →ACA marketplace subsidies — 2026 plan year
South Carolina ACA Subsidy Eligibility (2026)
Who qualifies for an ACA premium tax credit in South Carolina, how the state's Medicaid expansion status affects eligibility, and what the 2026 reverted subsidy schedule means at common income levels.
See your exact numbers: Use the ACA Premium Tax Credit Calculator with your real household income, size, and benchmark plan premium.
Medicaid expansion status
South Carolina has not adopted the ACA's Medicaid expansion. Residents below 100% FPL can fall into the "coverage gap" — income too low to qualify for a marketplace premium tax credit, but above the state's (often very low) existing Medicaid income limit for adults without dependent children.
2026 subsidy schedule — the 400% FPL cliff
The enhanced (IRA-era) premium tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and was not extended by OBBBA. For the 2026 plan year, ACA subsidies revert to the pre-2021 schedule: a hard cliff at 400% of the Federal Poverty Level — no premium tax credit at all above it — and required-contribution percentages rising to about 9.96% of income just below the cliff, per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25.
Household of 1 — South Carolina 2026 examples
| % of FPL | Household income | Status | Expected contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% | $23,475/yr | PTC-eligible (4.19% of income) | $984/yr |
| 200% | $31,300/yr | PTC-eligible (6.60% of income) | $2,066/yr |
| 250% | $39,125/yr | PTC-eligible (8.44% of income) | $3,302/yr |
| 300% | $46,950/yr | PTC-eligible (9.96% of income) | $4,676/yr |
| 400% | $62,600/yr | PTC-eligible (9.96% of income) | $6,235/yr |
Illustrative only — uses the 2025 HHS poverty guideline for household size 1 in South Carolina's region and the 2026 plan year's reverted applicable-percentage schedule. Actual credits depend on your exact income, benchmark Silver plan premium, and filing status — use the calculator above for your own numbers.
Household of 4 — South Carolina 2026 examples
| % of FPL | Household income | Status | Expected contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% | $48,225/yr | PTC-eligible (4.19% of income) | $2,021/yr |
| 200% | $64,300/yr | PTC-eligible (6.60% of income) | $4,244/yr |
| 250% | $80,375/yr | PTC-eligible (8.44% of income) | $6,784/yr |
| 300% | $96,450/yr | PTC-eligible (9.96% of income) | $9,606/yr |
| 400% | $128,600/yr | PTC-eligible (9.96% of income) | $12,809/yr |
Illustrative only — uses the 2025 HHS poverty guideline for household size 4 in South Carolina's region and the 2026 plan year's reverted applicable-percentage schedule. Actual credits depend on your exact income, benchmark Silver plan premium, and filing status — use the calculator above for your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I enroll in ACA marketplace coverage in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses the federally-facilitated marketplace — shop for plans and enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Has South Carolina expanded Medicaid?
South Carolina has not adopted the ACA's Medicaid expansion. Residents below 100% FPL can fall into the "coverage gap" — income too low to qualify for a marketplace premium tax credit, but above the state's (often very low) existing Medicaid income limit for adults without dependent children.
What is the ACA subsidy cliff for the 2026 plan year?
The enhanced (IRA-era) premium tax credit expired December 31, 2025. For the 2026 plan year, subsidies revert to the pre-2021 schedule: a hard cliff at 400% FPL (no premium tax credit at all above it) and required-contribution percentages up to about 9.96% of income, per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25.
When is ACA open enrollment for South Carolina?
According to CMS, open enrollment on HealthCare.gov for 2027 coverage begins on November 1, 2026 and runs through January 15, 2027. Check HealthCare.gov close to the date to confirm the deadline.
Sources
- IRS — Premium Tax Credit
- IRS Form 8962 — Premium Tax Credit
- HHS — Federal Poverty Guidelines
- HealthCare.gov — The Marketplace in Your State
- CMS — Marketplace 2026 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot (state-by-state platform table)
- KFF — State Health Insurance Marketplace Types
- KFF — Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions
- CMS — Plan Year 2027 Marketplace Plans and Prices Fact Sheet
Related insights
Use these guides for rule explanations, planning context, and follow-up questions beyond the calculator result.
Related Calculators
ACA Premium Tax Credit
Marketplace health insurance subsidy + cost-sharing reduction
Federal Poverty Level Calculator
Convert household income to a 2026 FPL percentage and compare common program thresholds
Federal Poverty Level 2026
2026 HHS poverty guidelines by household size and region, common percentage multiples, and which year ACA uses
Medicaid Income Limits 2026
Check Medicaid income limits by state — 138% FPL expansion threshold, non-expansion parent limits, and the coverage gap
HSA Calculator
$4,400/$8,750 triple tax advantage, HDHP, post-65 stealth IRA
Whatever your state charges, get a reminder before each federal tax deadline. One email before each quarterly estimated tax payment (Tax Day included), plus one when the IRS publishes next year's numbers. About five a year; you confirm once and can unsubscribe anytime.
Emails are sent with Kit. See our privacy policy.