Georgia Cliff Calculator — 2026 ACA Subsidy

By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated

Georgia Marketplace: Georgia Access

Georgia uses a state-based marketplace (SBM) called Georgia Access. Georgia residents enroll at Georgia Access — not HealthCare.gov.

Medicaid in Georgia: Georgia Medicaid (PeachCare for Kids = CHIP)

Georgia has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults above the pre-ACA income limit and below 100% FPL may fall into a coverage gap — they earn too little to qualify for marketplace subsidies (which start at 100% FPL) but do not qualify for Medicaid.

2026 SLCSP Benchmark Premiums (Georgia)

Statewide average monthly second-lowest-cost Silver plan (SLCSP) premiums by age. Actual premiums vary by rating area.

Age2130405060
Monthly SLCSP$430$488$549$768$1,167

2026 ACA Cliff Thresholds by Household Size (Georgia)

MAGI above these amounts zeros out the federal Premium Tax Credit. FPL region: contiguous48.

Household size12345
400% FPL cliff$62,600$84,600$106,600$128,600$150,600

Key Facts: Georgia ACA

Georgia Access launched as a full state-based marketplace (SBM) for plan year 2026, transitioning from the SBM-FP (state-based marketplace using the federal platform) model. The new marketplace operates at georgiaaccess.gov, giving Georgia control over plan certification, consumer interface, and enrollment operations. Georgia becomes the most recent state to make this transition, joining a growing list of SBM states.

Despite the marketplace upgrade, Georgia remains one of approximately 10 non-expansion states. Georgia Pathways to Coverage, a 1115 Medicaid waiver, provides limited Medicaid eligibility for adults who meet a community engagement (work) requirement — but coverage is narrow in scope and reach. Adults earning 100–138% FPL without qualifying work hours fall into the coverage gap: ineligible for both Georgia Medicaid and federal marketplace PTCs. KFF estimates Georgia accounts for roughly 14% of the national coverage gap population.

Georgia has enacted no state-funded premium subsidy backfill for 2026. The enhanced PTCs under the American Rescue Plan expired December 31, 2025, and Georgia residents above 400% FPL receive no premium assistance. Georgia's homepage for the new marketplace carries the tagline "Health Insurance for Georgia, by Georgia."

Calculate your Georgia ACA cliff

Inputs default to Georgia; adjust to your household specifics. Cliff = $62,600 (HH=1) / $128,600 (HH=4).

Your situation

Member ages
self

Coverage

Income

You're under the cliff

100%138%200%300%400%

You are at 319% of the federal poverty level.

Annual PTC
$1,608
$134 / month
MAGI headroom before cliff
$12,600
until you hit 400% FPL

PTC dollar values use a state-level SLCSP estimate; verify your exact second-lowest-cost Silver plan on healthcare.gov for your zip.

Primary Sources

  1. Georgia Access — State Marketplace Homepage
    “Health Insurance for Georgia, by Georgia”

FAQ — Georgia ACA Cliff

What is the 2026 ACA subsidy cliff in Georgia?
For a household of 1, MAGI above $62,600 (400% of the 2025 FPL contiguous-48 base) zeros out the federal Premium Tax Credit under IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25. Household of 4: $128,600. Georgia has no state subsidy backfill, so crossing this threshold eliminates all premium assistance.
What is Georgia Access and how is it different from HealthCare.gov?
Georgia Access (georgiaaccess.gov) is Georgia's new state-based marketplace (SBM) that launched for plan year 2026. Previously Georgia used the SBM-FP (state-based, federal platform) model. As a full SBM, Georgia now controls plan certification, the consumer enrollment experience, and data management independently of the federal HealthCare.gov platform.
How do I enroll in 2026 coverage in Georgia?
Use Georgia Access at georgiaaccess.gov. Open enrollment for 2026 ran November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Outside open enrollment, enrollment requires a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. Georgia Access also connects to Georgia Medicaid for eligible households.
What is Georgia Pathways to Coverage?
Georgia Pathways to Coverage is a limited Medicaid 1115 waiver that allows certain adults (19-64) to qualify for Medicaid if they meet a community engagement (work) requirement — typically 80 hours per month of work, education, job training, or community service. Coverage is narrow compared to full Medicaid expansion, and many low-income adults who cannot meet the work requirement remain uninsured.
Does Georgia have a state subsidy on top of the federal PTC?
No. Georgia has no state-funded premium subsidy backfill for 2026. Residents rely entirely on federal APTC, which ends above 400% FPL ($62,600 for HH=1). The American Rescue Plan enhanced PTCs expired December 31, 2025.
How is SLCSP calculated for Georgia?
The 2026 statewide SLCSP age-band averages for Georgia are: Age 21: $430/mo, Age 30: $488/mo, Age 40: $549/mo, Age 50: $768/mo, Age 60: $1,167/mo. These are statewide averages; your specific county may vary ±20–30%. The federal cliff distance (income vs. 400% FPL) is exact regardless of SLCSP precision.
Can I reduce my MAGI to stay below the 2026 cliff in Georgia?
Yes — common strategies include maximizing HSA contributions, deductible IRA or SEP-IRA/Solo 401(k) contributions if self-employed, harvesting capital losses, and deferring Roth conversions. Because Georgia has no state subsidy above 400% FPL, staying below the federal cliff is especially valuable.

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