Virginia Cliff Calculator — 2026 ACA Subsidy

By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated

Virginia Marketplace: Virginia's Insurance Marketplace

Virginia uses a state-based marketplace (SBM) called Virginia's Insurance Marketplace. Virginia residents enroll at Virginia's Insurance Marketplace — not HealthCare.gov.

Medicaid in Virginia: Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care = MCO)

Virginia expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care = MCO) covers adults to 138% FPL.

2026 SLCSP Benchmark Premiums (Virginia)

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 (Virginia)

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: Virginia ACA

Virginia's Insurance Marketplace launched as a full state-based marketplace (SBM) in 2024, completing a transition authorized by HB 1428 in the 2020 legislative session. The marketplace operates at marketplace.virginia.gov and is described on its homepage as "created by Virginia for Virginians" — giving Virginia independent control over plan certification, consumer protections, and the enrollment experience outside of HealthCare.gov.

Virginia expanded Medicaid effective January 1, 2019 under SB 1551 enacted in the 2018 legislative session under Governor Ralph Northam. Virginia Medicaid, administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), now covers adults earning up to 138% FPL through Cardinal Care, the managed care delivery program for expansion adults.

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

Calculate your Virginia ACA cliff

Inputs default to Virginia; 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. Virginia's Insurance Marketplace — Homepage
    “The Marketplace was created by Virginia for Virginians and is the only place where consumers may get financial assistance to help lower the cost of coverage and care.”

FAQ — Virginia ACA Cliff

What is the 2026 ACA subsidy cliff in Virginia?
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. Virginia has no state subsidy backfill, so crossing this threshold eliminates all premium assistance.
What is Virginia's Insurance Marketplace?
Virginia's Insurance Marketplace (marketplace.virginia.gov) is Virginia's state-based marketplace (SBM), launched in 2024 under the authority of HB 1428 enacted in 2020. As an SBM, Virginia controls plan certification, consumer protections, and the enrollment interface independently of HealthCare.gov. The marketplace describes itself as 'created by Virginia for Virginians.'
How do I enroll in 2026 coverage in Virginia?
Use Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at marketplace.virginia.gov. Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. The marketplace also connects to Virginia Medicaid for eligible households. Virginia Medicaid can also be applied for through commonhelp.virginia.gov year-round.
When did Virginia expand Medicaid?
Virginia expanded Medicaid effective January 1, 2019 under SB 1551, enacted in the 2018 legislative session. The expansion covers adults earning up to 138% FPL ($22,597 for a single adult in 2026) through Cardinal Care (Virginia's managed care program for expansion adults), administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).
Does Virginia have a state subsidy on top of the federal PTC?
No. Virginia 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 Virginia?
The 2026 statewide SLCSP age-band averages for Virginia are: Age 21: $420/mo, Age 30: $476/mo, Age 40: $537/mo, Age 50: $750/mo, Age 60: $1,140/mo. Northern Virginia (DC metro) counties may differ significantly 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia has no state subsidy above 400% FPL, staying below the federal cliff is especially valuable.

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