Help Paying Marketplace Premiums: Challenges Estimating Income and Tax Consequences

I estimate my income next year will be 140% of the federal poverty level, so I need a premium tax credit and I need to have it all paid in advance. If, by the end of the year, it turns out my annual income was even lower – 130% of the federal poverty level – so I could have enrolled in Medicaid, will I have to pay back the premium subsidy?

No, your final premium credit amount will be determined based on your income for the year as reported on your tax return. The fact that it ended up being 130% of the poverty line does not mean you have to pay back the premium tax credit you received. In fact, your final credit amount will likely be larger than the amount you received in advance.

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

KFF Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400
Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone 202-347-5270

www.kff.org | Email Alerts: kff.org/email | facebook.com/KFF | twitter.com/kff

The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.