ACA FPL confusion

[Finance Dave]

What is the 400% FPL income limit for a subsidy (family of 2, MFJ) in 2020? I thought it was $67,640, but now I'm also seeing sources stating $68,960. Why am I seeing differing numbers?

This says $68,960. This is an hhs data set, so I'd think it would be accurate.
https://aspe.hhs.gov/system/files/aspe-files/107166/2020-percentage-poverty-tool.pdf

But then this gov't website says $67,640 if you scroll down and look at the table.
https://www.healthinsurance.org/oba...020 coverage, that upper,for a family of four.)

What am I missing?

 

[Gumby]

The second site is using 2019 numbers. I'm not even convinced it is a government site. Since HHS is the department designated by law to set that number, I would trust them. If you want to double check me, here is the HHS site for 2019 https://aspe.hhs.gov/2019-poverty-guidelines

 

[walkinwood]

IIRC, for 2020, you have to use 2019 FPL numbers for ACA.

 

[cathy63]

Yes, you use the 2019 numbers to calculate your 2020 PTC.
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/

The 2020 federal poverty level (FPL) income numbers below are used to calculate eligibility for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 2019 numbers are slightly lower, and are used to calculate savings on Marketplace insurance plans for 2020.

 

[jim584672]

They usually come out late January with the new FPL number, but ACA needs to know before that so it goes by the previous year. Medicaid is updated immediately.

 

[Finance Dave]

ok, so now I'm just as confused. Why then do they even publish the 2020 FPL numbers if they are not to be used until next year? Is it just for planning purposes?

So to be clear, $67,640 is the correct number for family of 2 for 2020 MAGI?

What I really want to know is....how much MAGI can I make during this year (2020) and still maintain my subsidy without having to repay? It seems to me that the $68,960 number is using 2020 FPL numbers, and would therefore apply for 2021 MAGI, right?

 

[cathy63]

ok, so now I'm just as confused. Why then do they even publish the 2020 FPL numbers if they are not to be used until next year? Is it just for planning purposes?

If they didn't publish them, then there would be problems administering other programs. Per healthcare.gov quoted above: "The 2020 federal poverty level (FPL) income numbers below are used to calculate eligibility for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)."

So to be clear, $67,640 is the correct number for family of 2 for 2020 MAGI?

What I really want to know is....how much MAGI can I make during this year (2020) and still maintain my subsidy without having to repay? It seems to me that the $68,960 number is using 2020 FPL numbers, and would therefore apply for 2021 MAGI, right?

Yes $67640 for 2020 MAGI, and $68960 or 2021.

 

[jim584672]

$68,960 number is using 2020 FPL numbers, and would therefore apply for 2021 MAGI, right? Yes, for Marketplace plans.

 

[Finance Dave]

Thanks to everyone for your input.

 

[eroscott]

Thanks to everyone for your input.

Another trick is to go to this dot GOV site and look in the dropdown box.
https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/