Help Paying Marketplace Premiums: When Other Coverage Is Available

I’m married. I work full-time for a large employer that offers me health benefits, but won’t cover spouses. Is that allowed? Can my spouse apply for coverage and subsidies in the Marketplace?

Large employers are required to offer health benefits to full-time workers and to their dependent children or face a penalty. However, large employers are not required to offer health benefits to the spouses of full-time workers, so your employer would not have to pay a penalty for refusing to offer coverage to your spouse. A large employer is one that employs at least 50 workers.

Because your spouse is not offered health benefits through your job, they may be eligible to apply for coverage and premium tax credits through the Marketplace.

Browse more questions in the Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage section.

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.

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