- What is a subsidy?
And what does it mean in the Marketplace?
The dictionary definition of a Subsidy: a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business.
In regards to the Marketplace, it means the federal government will be providing a sum of money to assist people with low income or cannot afford the full premium. The amount of the subsidy will depend on the annual income. To qualify for a subsidy your income has to be between the poverty line and four times that amount. That’s $11,490 to about $45,960 for an individual and $23,550 to $94,200 for a family of four.
Listed below is a subsidy chart where you can get an idea of whether or not you are eligible for a subsidy and how much of a subsidy you may be eligible for.
2. What if I have coverage from a former employer through COBRA that ends after next March?
The Affordable Care Act is like most workplace insurance plans, where every year there is an open enrollment. During open enrollment you can buy or change plans, but once passed then you will have to wait till next open enrollment to sign up. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. If you have one of the listed life-changing events:
- Moving to another state
- Getting married or divorced
- Losing your job-based insurance
- Having COBRA coverage end
If you have any of these events happen, then you are allowed to buy insurance on the Marketplace outside the usual open enrollment season.
For additional questions, feel free to call us at 1-888-208-6234. Office hours from 8 AM-5 PM M-F.
