Minnesota Cliff Calculator — 2026 ACA Subsidy

By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated

Minnesota Marketplace: MNsure

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

Medicaid in Minnesota: Medical Assistance (MA)

Minnesota expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Medical Assistance (MA) covers adults to 138% FPL.

2026 SLCSP Benchmark Premiums (Minnesota)

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

Age2130405060
Monthly SLCSP$380$430$485$678$1,030

2026 ACA Cliff Thresholds by Household Size (Minnesota)

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: Minnesota ACA

Minnesota operates MNsure, one of the original state-based marketplaces (SBM) established under the ACA, running at mnsure.org. MNsure is the only place Minnesota residents can obtain premium tax credits to reduce insurance costs. During the 2026 open enrollment period, 139,251 individuals selected plans through MNsure, with about 49% qualifying for premium subsidies.

Minnesota's most distinctive health coverage feature is MinnesotaCare — a §1331 Basic Health Program (BHP) authorized by the ACA and operated outside the marketplace. MinnesotaCare covers Minnesotans with income between 138% and 200% FPL (the range just above Medical Assistance / Medicaid eligibility). Premiums are on a sliding scale from $0 to approximately $71/month, far below what marketplace plans would cost without enhanced federal subsidies. MinnesotaCare is a separate program from the marketplace — it is not a premium subsidy stacked on top of a PTC, but a direct coverage program funded partly by federal BHP funds (derived from the PTC and CSR amounts those enrollees would have otherwise received).

Minnesota expanded Medicaid (Medical Assistance) in 2014, covering adults earning up to 138% FPL. Adults at 0–138% FPL are covered by Medical Assistance; adults at 138–200% FPL by MinnesotaCare; adults at 200–400% FPL by MNsure marketplace plans with federal PTCs (if eligible). Above 400% FPL, no premium assistance is available in 2026 — the cliff applies fully.

Calculate your Minnesota ACA cliff

Inputs default to Minnesota; 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
$540
$45 / 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. MNsure — Official Marketplace
    “MNsure is the ONLY place to get financial help to lower the cost of health insurance.”
  2. healthinsurance.org — Minnesota Marketplace
    “People in Minnesota can also sign up for MinnesotaCare – Minnesota's Basic Health Program.”

FAQ — Minnesota ACA Cliff

What is the 2026 ACA subsidy cliff in Minnesota?
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. Minnesota has no state premium subsidy backfill above 400% FPL — the cliff applies fully. However, households at 138–200% FPL are covered by MinnesotaCare (the BHP), not the marketplace, which substantially lowers their cost.
What is MinnesotaCare and who qualifies?
MinnesotaCare is Minnesota's §1331 Basic Health Program (BHP), covering adults with income between 138% and 200% FPL who are not eligible for Medicaid (Medical Assistance). Premiums slide from $0 to approximately $71/month — far lower than unsubsidized marketplace plans. MinnesotaCare is not a marketplace plan or a premium tax credit; it is a state-administered program funded partly by federal BHP funds. Enrollment is available year-round.
What is MNsure?
MNsure (mnsure.org) is Minnesota's state-based marketplace (SBM), the only source of federal premium tax credits for Minnesota residents. MNsure launched in 2013 as one of the original ACA marketplaces. Six insurers offered plans for 2026 coverage. MNsure also facilitates enrollment in Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare.
How do I enroll in 2026 coverage in Minnesota?
Use MNsure at mnsure.org or call 651-539-2099 (or 855-366-7873 from outside the Twin Cities). Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollment is available year-round — if your income changes mid-year, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or year-round program.
Does Minnesota have a state subsidy on top of the federal PTC?
No premium subsidy stacks on top of the federal PTC in Minnesota for 2026. MinnesotaCare is a separate §1331 program (not a premium subsidy) that replaces marketplace coverage for adults at 138–200% FPL. Above 400% FPL, no additional premium assistance exists.
How is SLCSP calculated for Minnesota?
The 2026 statewide SLCSP age-band averages for Minnesota are: Age 21: $380/mo, Age 30: $430/mo, Age 40: $485/mo, Age 50: $678/mo, Age 60: $1,030/mo. These are statewide averages; Twin Cities metro vs. Greater Minnesota counties may differ. 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota has no state subsidy above 400% FPL, staying below the federal cliff has full dollar impact.

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