November 9, 2025
Spoiler: That tiny raise you’re proud of might just send your insurance bill skydiving—with no parachute.
If you thought the government was done surprising you… buckle up. In 2026, the health insurance “subsidy cliff” is making a dramatic comeback—like a reboot nobody asked for. And this time, simply earning a little more could cost you a lot more.
Right now, the Marketplace (healthcare.gov) gives many households monthly discounts on premiums. These premium tax credits are tied to your income—but for the past few years, even higher earners could still qualify. No harsh cutoff. No drama. Just reasonably priced adulting.
But starting in 2026? That era is over.
If your income goes even a hair over the limit—roughly $58,000 for a single person—your discount doesn’t shrink, fade, or taper off… it vanishes. Instantly. Like your willpower in front of a snack table.
Imagine you’re 45, single, earning about $60,000.
In 2025, you might still pay $400–$500 a month for insurance.
In 2026? With that same income?
Boom—$700+ per month.
Just because you made a couple thousand extra.
That’s why they call it a “cliff.”
Not a slope. Not a hill.
A cliff. As in: you step one inch too far, and your wallet plummets straight down.
Here’s where smart planning beats surprise bills every time:
If you're near the cutoff, strategic moves can save you thousands. A retirement contribution to your 401(k) or maxing out your HSA can push your taxable income below the line.
They shift slightly each year. Don’t assume last year’s rules will save you this year.
2026 changes everything. “It worked before” does not equal “it will work again.”
This cliff isn’t just a “personal finance” issue. It’s a business owner issue—a family legacy issue.
A few extra dollars of income from your campground, your side business, or that busy summer season could accidentally push you past the edge. And that’s exactly the kind of trap Campground Accounting exists to help you avoid.
Donna’s progressive, option-exploring, never-miss-an-opportunity approach ensures you’re not blindsided by rules like these. We help you breathe life into campground ownership—not suffocate under surprise expenses.
A tiny income bump could mean a massive health insurance bill.
But with the right planning—and the right CPA team that actually understands your lifestyle, your goals, and your business—you can avoid the cliff entirely.
There’s more to taxes than being on time.
There’s more to life than business.
And there’s definitely more to health insurance than sticker shock.
Ready to press play on smarter planning?
Your 2026 self will thank you.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please make sure to check out our blog and our website link below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell to be notified when we post. You can email me at donna@campgroundaccounting.com.
Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Campground Accounting
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.