2018 Health Insurance Subsidy Calculator
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Understand how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies worked in 2018 with this calculator. Calculate your estimated subsidy based on your income, household size, and location.
How the 2018 Subsidy Calculator Works
The 2018 health insurance subsidy calculator estimates your eligibility for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. These subsidies help make health insurance more affordable for individuals and families with lower incomes.
The subsidy calculation is based on the 2018 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and the 2018 premium tax credit rules. These rules have since changed, so this calculator is for historical reference only.
Key Factors in the Calculation
- Your income and filing status
- Your household size
- The cost of the silver plan in your area
- Your age (for individuals)
How Subsidies Were Determined
The subsidy amount was calculated using a sliding scale based on your income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. The formula takes into account:
- Your total household income
- The cost of the benchmark silver plan
- Your age (for individuals)
- Your location (for cost of living adjustments)
How to Use This Calculator
To use the 2018 health insurance subsidy calculator:
- Enter your total household income for 2018
- Select your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
- Enter the number of people in your household
- Enter your age (if you're the only person in your household)
- Enter the cost of the silver plan in your area
- Click "Calculate" to see your estimated subsidy
Formula Used
The subsidy is calculated using the following formula:
Subsidy = (Benchmark Silver Plan Cost - (Income / 133.33)) × 0.095
Where:
- Benchmark Silver Plan Cost = Cost of the silver plan in your area
- Income = Your total household income for 2018
- 133.33 = The 2018 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for a family of four
- 0.095 = The maximum subsidy rate for 2018
Worked Example
Let's calculate the subsidy for a single person aged 35 with an income of $30,000 in an area where the silver plan costs $400 per month.
- Benchmark Silver Plan Cost = $400/month
- Income = $30,000/year
- Calculate monthly income: $30,000 ÷ 12 = $2,500/month
- Apply the subsidy formula:
- ($400 - ($2,500 ÷ 133.33)) × 0.095
- ($400 - 18.75) × 0.095
- $381.25 × 0.095 = $36.26
This person would receive approximately $36.26 per month in subsidies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) used in 2018?
The 2018 Federal Poverty Level was $12,140 for an individual and $24,280 for a family of four. The subsidy calculation uses these figures to determine your income relative to the poverty line.
How does the subsidy calculation work for families?
The subsidy calculation for families takes into account the total household income and the number of people in the household. The formula adjusts the subsidy based on how much your income exceeds the Federal Poverty Level.
What is the benchmark silver plan?
The benchmark silver plan is the second-lowest-cost silver plan available in your area. The cost of this plan is used as the baseline for calculating your subsidy.
Can I use this calculator for 2019 or later years?
No, this calculator is specifically for the 2018 subsidy rules. The rules and formulas have changed since then, so this calculator is for historical reference only.