What the Government Considers “Affordable”
For employees receiving their benefits from an employer.
If the employee portion of the health insurance the employer provides costs more than 9.5% of the employee’s income, and it doesn’t cover at least 60% (Minimum Value) of the employees medical expenses, this is considered to be “unaffordable”. If your insurance is “unaffordable” you are then permitted to see if you qualify for a Subsidy (Advanced Premium Tax Credit). If the employee’s insurance from their employer is affordable, then the employee is NOT eligible for a tax subsidy.
If you DO NOT receive health insurance from your employer.
As individuals or families, if your portion of the health insurance premium costs more than 8% of your household income, it is considered “unaffordable”, which means you don’t have to buy a medical plan “excludable.”
For individuals and families that go to the exchange to buy health insurance, IF the insurance is greater than 8% of your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) it is considered “unaffordable” and you are not required to buy insurance. MOST Americans will find they will qualify for either Medicaid or a Subsidized plan that makes insurance “affordable.”
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What is Co-Insurance?
Co-insurance means two parties will be paying for the bill. “Co” means joint, mutual, two, or more. The health insurance company will usually pay the larger amount (example 70%) and you as the member will usually pay the lesser amount (example 30%). This would be considered co-insurance 70/30. This (co-insurance) usually happens AFTER the deductible is met.
Health Insurance Coverage Effective Dates
Once you have picked a health insurance policy and paid your first month’s premium, you probably expect your coverage to begin immediately. However, depending on when you enrolled and under what circumstances, you may have several weeks before your health insurance coverage takes effect.
Health Insurance ‘Metal’ Plans Explained
Health insurance companies that sell plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace can offer four types of qualified health insurance plans, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The plan you choose determines not only the premium you pay but also what portion of your health costs you pay.