If you can answer yes to all these question, you may be eligible for the premium tax credit.

  • My household income is 100 to 400 percent above the Federal Poverty Level. Most people in this range will be eligible, but not everyone. See note below.
  • My employer doesn't offer health insurance that costs less than 9.5 percent of my income and pays at least 60 percent of covered benefits.
  • I'm not eligible for health insurance through a government program like Medicaid or Medicare.
  • I'm married and file a joint return.
  • I'm not claimed as a dependent by another person.

Note: Not everyone with an income under 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level will qualify for a premium tax credit. That's because it's based on your income relative to:

  • The cost of the second lowest-priced silver plan in your county
  • The size of your family and the age of family members

Here's an example. Two couples living in the same county both have an income that is 375 percent above the Federal Poverty Level. One couple is in their 30s, the other couple is in their 50s. Because older people pay higher premiums, the older couple may qualify for a tax credit. The young couple may not, even though their income is the same.