What do I use to calculate my income? What is MAGI?

When calculating your income for your health insurance plan, you should use the amount you expect to earn in the year you will have the plan. This means, for your 2021 health insurance plan, enter the amount you expect to earn in 2021.

It can be tricky for freelancers and people who are self-employed, so we've put together some tips for calculating your expected annual income.

1. Enter your monthly income

If you don't receive an annual salary, choose to enter the amount you typically earn monthly.

2. Use your 2020 income as a starting point

If you don't know exactly what you'll earn, that's okay. If you expect to earn about what you earned in 2020, use your 2020 income.

3. Report a change in 2021

If you start earning more or less than you expected to earn during 2021, you can report a change during the year. This will ensure the subsidies you're eligible for are up to date.

4. Don't forget about expenses and deductions

Be sure to include any business expenses or deductions as part of your "net self-employment income". You can also deduct things like IRA contributions and student loan interest. For a full list of deductions see this page.

What counts as income?

Anything you earn from work, including W2, self-employed or 1099 work. Unemployment and income from other members of your household (including those not applying for coverage) should also be counted.

Note: One-time COVID-19 related stimulus payment ($1,200 deposit) from the federal government should not be counted as part of your income for 2021 coverage.

Click here for a full list of income sources that should be counted.