Premium Tax Credit Caps for 2022

The Premium Tax Credit Subsidy Caps By Percentage of Household Income for SLCSP 2022

Premium tax credit caps on 2022 marketplace coverage range from 0% – 8.5% of income based on the 2021 federal poverty level. These caps were lowered and expanded by the American Rescue Plan for 2022.^[1]

Premium tax credits are tax credits that can be taken in advance as Advanced Premium Tax Credits or at tax time as Premium Tax credits (or you can do a mix). Premium tax credits cap premium spending for a family based on MAGI income compared to the federal poverty level and are based on the cost of the second-lowest silver plan (SLCSP) in a state’s Marketplace. To qualify you must purchase a marketplace plan.

The chart below shows the minimum and maximum percentage of the household income that a person will pay for that plan. The amount you’ll pay is based on your household income (compared to the federal poverty level) and is adjusted based on the price of the plan chosen.

Here are the Premium Tax Credit Subsidy Caps for 2021 from Rev. Proc. 2021-23:

NOTE: For 2021 – 2022, Section 9661 of the American Rescue Plan caps marketplace health insurance premiums. Not only does it provide lower caps for those who get subsidies through cost assistance, but it also caps the premium that can be charged the benchmark plan at no more than 8.5% of household income. This means even without subsidies you won’t pay more than 8.5% of household income for a benchmark health plan.

NOTE: To qualify for tax credits you must make between 100% – 400% of the poverty level (FPL). If your state expanded Medicaid you will be eligible for Medicaid instead of tax credits below 133% (or 138% adjusted) FPL. However, please note, those who aren’t eligible for Medicaid expansion who are on unemployment can get marketplace assistance under the American Rescue Act.

1. Premium tax credit caps for 2022 are published in Rev. Proc. 2021-23.