Rhode Island Cliff Calculator — 2026 ACA Subsidy

By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated

Rhode Island Marketplace: HealthSource RI

Rhode Island uses a state-based marketplace (SBM) called HealthSource RI. Rhode Island residents enroll at HealthSource RI — not HealthCare.gov.

Medicaid in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Medicaid (RIte Care)

Rhode Island expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Rhode Island Medicaid (RIte Care) covers adults to 138% FPL.

2026 SLCSP Benchmark Premiums (Rhode Island)

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

Age2130405060
Monthly SLCSP$360$408$460$643$977

2026 ACA Cliff Thresholds by Household Size (Rhode Island)

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: Rhode Island ACA

HealthSource RI is Rhode Island's state-based marketplace, among the original SBMs established under the ACA in 2014. As one of the smallest states by population, Rhode Island nonetheless maintains full SBM infrastructure, giving it control over plan certification, consumer assistance, and potential state subsidy programs.

For 2026, Rhode Island does not have an enacted state premium subsidy backfill. Governor McKee's 'Affordability for All' proposal would provide $9.5 million in financial relief to HealthSource RI's most vulnerable customers — those earning no more than 200% of the federal poverty level — and would benefit more than 80% of HealthSource RI customers. The proposal also aimed to bring in an additional $12 million in federal tax credits and reduce premiums for most individual customers. However, this proposal targets FY27 implementation and had not been enacted as of the 2026 plan year.

Rhode Island Medicaid covers adults to 138% FPL under ACA expansion. RIte Care is the managed care program for children and pregnant women, while expansion adults are covered under standard Medicaid.

Calculate your Rhode Island ACA cliff

Inputs default to Rhode Island; 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. HealthSource RI — Official Marketplace
    “Rhode Island's trusted health insurance marketplace.”
  2. Governor McKee — Affordability for All Press Release
    “provide $9.5 million in financial relief to HSRI's most vulnerable customers, which is part of his Affordability for All agenda”

FAQ — Rhode Island ACA Cliff

What is the 2026 ACA subsidy cliff in Rhode Island?
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. Rhode Island does not have an enacted state premium subsidy backfill for 2026 — residents earning above the cliff receive no direct state premium assistance.
How do I enroll in 2026 coverage in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island uses HealthSource RI at healthsourceri.com. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026 (Rhode Island extends beyond the federal deadline). Outside open enrollment, enrollment requires a Special Enrollment Period (qualifying life event).
Does Rhode Island have a state-funded subsidy on top of the federal PTC?
No enacted state subsidy backfill exists for 2026. Governor McKee's Affordability for All proposal included $9.5 million in relief targeting customers at or below 200% FPL and would benefit more than 80% of HealthSource RI customers, but this proposal targets FY27 and had not been enacted for the 2026 plan year.
What is the Medicaid threshold in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults with MAGI up to 138% FPL qualify for Rhode Island Medicaid. RIte Care is the managed care program for children and pregnant women. Rhode Island Medicaid is administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
How is SLCSP calculated for Rhode Island?
The 2026 statewide SLCSP age-band averages for Rhode Island are: Age 21: $360/mo, Age 30: $408/mo, Age 40: $460/mo, Age 50: $643/mo, Age 60: $977/mo — among the lower SLCSP rates in the Northeast. These are statewide averages; your specific rating area may vary. The cliff distance (income vs. 400% FPL) is exact regardless of SLCSP precision.
Can I avoid the 2026 cliff by reducing my MAGI?
Yes — MAGI-reduction strategies (HSA contributions, deductible IRA, SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) for self-employed, capital-loss harvesting) can keep MAGI below 400% FPL. Rhode Island has no state buffer above the federal cliff, making these strategies especially valuable for households near the 400% FPL boundary.

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