The short answer
Being offered health coverage through a job doesn't automatically disqualify you from an ACA subsidy — it depends on whether that employer coverage is considered affordable under the rules. If your share of the employer plan's cost is above a set percentage of your income, the coverage is deemed unaffordable, and you (and your family) may qualify for a Marketplace subsidy instead.
A recent fix also changed how this works for families, opening subsidies to more households than before.
The affordability test
The test compares your required contribution for the employer plan against a percentage of your household income. If it exceeds that threshold, the employer offer is unaffordable, and you can look to the Marketplace with a subsidy. If it's affordable, you generally can't get a subsidy while that offer is available. Our guide to estimating income for ACA subsidies helps you see where you land.
The important recent change fixed the so-called family glitch, so the affordability of family coverage — not just employee-only coverage — is now considered, helping more families qualify.
What to check
If your employer coverage feels expensive, it's worth running the affordability test rather than assuming you're stuck with it. Families in particular should re-check under the updated rules, since more now qualify. Getting this right can mean real savings on the Marketplace.
Because the calculation involves specific thresholds, our guide to how subsidies work can help you understand whether your family qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an ACA subsidy if my job offers coverage?
Possibly. If your share of the employer plan's cost exceeds a set percentage of your income, the coverage is deemed unaffordable and you may qualify for a Marketplace subsidy instead.
What is the family glitch fix?
A rule change that considers the affordability of family coverage, not just employee-only coverage, when deciding subsidy eligibility — helping more families qualify.
How do I know if my employer coverage is affordable?
Compare your required contribution to a percentage of your household income. If it's above the threshold, the offer is unaffordable and you can look to the Marketplace with a subsidy.
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