Kentucky Cliff Calculator — 2026 ACA Subsidy

By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated

Kentucky Marketplace: kynect

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

Medicaid in Kentucky: Kentucky Medicaid

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

2026 SLCSP Benchmark Premiums (Kentucky)

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

Age2130405060
Monthly SLCSP$420$476$537$750$1,140

2026 ACA Cliff Thresholds by Household Size (Kentucky)

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: Kentucky ACA

Kentucky's kynect marketplace has an unusual history: it was launched in 2013 as one of the original state-based marketplaces (SBM) under the ACA, dismantled in 2017 by Governor Matt Bevin in favor of the federal HealthCare.gov platform, and then relaunched as a full SBM in 2022 under Governor Andy Beshear. This makes kynect unique as the only state marketplace to have been shut down and then reopened. The relaunch allows Kentucky to again control plan certification, consumer experience, and enrollment independently.

Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the ACA and maintains one of the higher Medicaid enrollment rates relative to state population. Eastern Kentucky and Appalachian counties have shown some of the strongest marketplace enrollment growth rates from 2023 to 2025, reflecting the economic structure of those communities — many self-employed, gig, agricultural, and small-business workers without employer-sponsored insurance.

Kentucky has not enacted a state-funded premium subsidy backfill for 2026. The enhanced PTCs under the American Rescue Plan expired December 31, 2025. Residents above 400% FPL receive no premium assistance and must rely entirely on unsubsidized market premiums.

Calculate your Kentucky ACA cliff

Inputs default to Kentucky; 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. kynect — Kentucky's State Marketplace
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FAQ — Kentucky ACA Cliff

What is the 2026 ACA subsidy cliff in Kentucky?
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. Kentucky has no state subsidy backfill, so crossing this threshold eliminates all premium assistance.
What is kynect and how does it work?
kynect is Kentucky's state-based marketplace (SBM), operating at kynect.ky.gov. As an SBM, Kentucky controls plan certification and the consumer enrollment experience independently of HealthCare.gov. kynect also connects to Kentucky Medicaid in a single application. kynect was originally launched in 2013, dismantled in 2017, and relaunched in 2022.
How do I enroll in 2026 coverage in Kentucky?
Use kynect at kynect.ky.gov. Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. Outside open enrollment, enrollment requires a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. kynect also handles Kentucky Medicaid applications in the same enrollment flow.
Does Kentucky have a state subsidy on top of the federal PTC?
No. Kentucky 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.
What is the Medicaid threshold in Kentucky?
Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults with MAGI up to 138% FPL ($22,597 for a single adult in 2026) qualify for Kentucky Medicaid. Kentucky Medicaid is administered through managed care organizations (MCOs) under a 1115 waiver.
How is SLCSP calculated for Kentucky?
The 2026 statewide SLCSP age-band averages for Kentucky are: Age 21: $420/mo, Age 30: $476/mo, Age 40: $537/mo, Age 50: $750/mo, Age 60: $1,140/mo. Eastern Kentucky Appalachian counties may differ from statewide averages. 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky has no state subsidy above 400% FPL, staying below the federal cliff is especially valuable.

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