Marketplace Nebraska logo icon

Decoding Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies

Health insurance can pose a significant financial burden, especially for individuals with lower or moderate incomes. To address this challenge, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers sliding-scale subsidies that reduce both premiums and out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals who purchase insurance through health insurance Marketplaces, also known as exchanges.

Marketplace Subsidies Overview

Financial assistance under the ACA for those seeking coverage through the Marketplaces comes in two forms: the premium tax credit and the cost-sharing reduction (CSR).

Premium Tax Credit

The premium tax credit reduces the monthly payments for insurance coverage. This credit can be applied to plans in four “metal” levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while platinum plans have the highest premiums but very low out-of-pocket costs. Catastrophic plans are also available with even lower premiums but are generally for individuals under 30, and they don’t qualify for premium tax credits.
 
To be eligible for the premium tax credit, individuals must meet specific criteria:
Have a household income equal to or greater than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Not have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage.
Not be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Have U.S. citizenship or proof of legal residency.
If married, file taxes jointly.
 
The premium tax credit is based on the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents, considering various income sources.

Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR)

Cost-sharing reductions lower out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when individuals receive covered healthcare services. These reductions are available for individuals with household incomes between 100 and 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
 
For CSRs, enrollees must select silver-level plans. The generosity of CSRs varies based on income levels, with the most substantial reductions available to those with income between 100 and 150 percent of FPL. These plans modify silver plan deductibles and cost-sharing to resemble gold or platinum plans. For those with income between 150 and 200 percent of FPL, cost-sharing reductions reduce cost-sharing to 87 percent actuarial value, while individuals with income between 200 and 250 percent of FPL benefit from a reduction to 73 percent actuarial value.

In Conclusion

The ACA’s financial assistance programs aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for individuals with lower or moderate incomes. The premium tax credit reduces monthly premiums for various metal-level plans, while cost-sharing reductions lower out-of-pocket costs, particularly for silver-level plans. By understanding these subsidies and meeting the eligibility criteria, individuals can make informed decisions when purchasing coverage through the Marketplace, ultimately easing the financial burden associated with health insurance.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute professional advice. It is recommended to consult Mark with Marketplace Nebraska directly for personalized guidance regarding health insurance decisions. Contact Mark at 402-718-9400 or [email protected].

Table of Contents

We Are Here to Help! 402.718.9400

Compare Online Health Insurance Quotes From top providers!

Shop Available Plans

Explore All Your Options

It is crucial to explore all available health insurance options before making a purchase. By doing so, you can ensure you are getting the best value for your money, as well as a policy that best suits your needs. With many different plans and coverage options, comparing policies can be overwhelming. You’ve got options both on and off the marketplace, let us help you find the right policy today!

Contact Mark Today
Contact Us to get a health insurance quote