Get lower costs on monthly premiums in the Health Insurance Marketplace

When you shop for insurance at the Health Insurance Marketplace youll find good quality health plans, and by answering a few simple questions  well be able to see whether youre eligible for one or more no cost or low cost insurance programs, like Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program, and a new benefit called the Advance Premium Tax Credit. Which is available only through the Health Insurance Marketplace. What makes the Advance Premium Tax Credit advanced is that you get the credit each month, instead of waiting until you file your Federal tax returns the next year. With APTC, part of your monthly payment is made by the Federal government directly to the health plan in which youve enrolled.

If you qualify, there are three ways you can apply your
Advance Premium Tax Credit: You can decide to spread out the credit equally across the entire year. You can decide to use some of your monthly APTC, which increases the amount youll pay each month but makes it more likely youll receive a refund on
next years tax return;  this may be a good option if youre unsure about your income. Or you may decide not to use any of your APTC during the year  and simply get the money refunded on next years tax return. Your eligibility and the amount of your Advance Premium Tax Credit  depend on the size of your household and your household income.

Changes in your life like having a baby, getting married, or changing jobs can affect the amount of your tax credit or even your eligibility.  For instance, if you make more than you expected, your Advance Premium Tax Credit will be lower  and you might owe some money at the end of the year.   But if you make less than you expected, you may get a refund.   If you come back to this site and report your
changes when they happen,  youll get your tax credit calculations updated automatically.

If you qualify for the Advance Premium Tax Credit, any way you use it,  youll still get a break on the cost of your health insurance to help you get the coverage that meets your needs and budget..