Illinois Cliff Calculator — 2026 ACA Subsidy

By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated

Illinois Marketplace: Get Covered Illinois

Illinois uses a state-based marketplace (SBM) called Get Covered Illinois. Illinois residents enroll at Get Covered Illinois — not HealthCare.gov.

Medicaid in Illinois: Illinois Medicaid

Illinois expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Illinois Medicaid covers adults to 138% FPL.

2026 SLCSP Benchmark Premiums (Illinois)

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

Age2130405060
Monthly SLCSP$430$487$549$767$1,165

2026 ACA Cliff Thresholds by Household Size (Illinois)

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: Illinois ACA

Illinois made a significant marketplace transition for 2026: Get Covered Illinois became a full state-based marketplace (SBM), moving enrollment away from HealthCare.gov starting November 1, 2025. Previously operating as an SBM-FP (state-based marketplace using the federal platform), Illinois now controls its own enrollment platform at getcovered.illinois.gov. During the 2026 open enrollment period, 448,568 Illinois residents signed up for private health coverage through Get Covered Illinois, with eight out of ten enrollees eligible for premium tax credit subsidies averaging $688/month in savings.

Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014 under the ACA, covering adults earning up to 138% FPL through the state's Medicaid program. Illinois also operates All Kids, a program providing low-cost health coverage to children regardless of immigration status or family income.

Illinois has not enacted a state-funded premium subsidy backfill for 2026. The enhanced PTCs under the American Rescue Plan expired December 31, 2025, and Illinois residents above 400% FPL receive no premium assistance in 2026.

Calculate your Illinois ACA cliff

Inputs default to Illinois; 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
$1,464
$122 / 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. Get Covered Illinois — Official Marketplace
    “Get Covered Illinois is the state's official health insurance marketplace where you can enroll in health and dental coverage.”
  2. healthinsurance.org — Illinois Marketplace
    “Starting November 1, 2025, for coverage effective in 2026, Illinois residents began using the state-run Get Covered Illinois website for enrollment, instead of HealthCare.gov.”

FAQ — Illinois ACA Cliff

What is the 2026 ACA subsidy cliff in Illinois?
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. Illinois has no state subsidy backfill, so crossing this threshold eliminates all premium assistance.
What is Get Covered Illinois?
Get Covered Illinois (getcovered.illinois.gov) is Illinois's state-based marketplace (SBM), which began full operation for 2026 coverage. Starting November 1, 2025, Illinois residents enroll directly on the Get Covered Illinois platform rather than HealthCare.gov. As an SBM, Illinois controls its own plan certification, consumer protections, and enrollment experience.
How do I enroll in 2026 coverage in Illinois?
Use Get Covered Illinois at getcovered.illinois.gov. You can also enroll by phone at 1-866-311-1119 or through in-person help from brokers and Navigators. Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 for most plans. Illinois Medicaid can be applied for year-round through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
When did Illinois expand Medicaid?
Illinois expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014, covering adults with income up to 138% FPL through the state's Medicaid program. Illinois was among the first wave of states to expand coverage starting January 1, 2014.
Does Illinois have a state subsidy on top of the federal PTC?
No. Illinois 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 Illinois?
The 2026 statewide SLCSP age-band averages for Illinois are: Age 21: $430/mo, Age 30: $487/mo, Age 40: $549/mo, Age 50: $767/mo, Age 60: $1,165/mo. These are statewide averages; Chicago metro counties may differ from downstate Illinois. 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 Illinois?
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 Illinois has no state subsidy above 400% FPL, staying below the federal cliff has full dollar impact.

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