General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: PSA - If you opt out of the ACA next year [View all]nitpicker
(7,153 posts)Last edited Fri Nov 14, 2014, 07:30 AM - Edit history (1)
((warning, this may be rewritten AGAIN before it's time to file the return))
People are required to get their employer's self-only coverage (or pay the penalty) if it costs up to 9.5% or less of HOUSEHOLD income.
(that's a change from 8% to support "employer transition" .
If it costs more than that, a hardship exemption is claimable on Form 8965 ((at least on the draft version)) for unaffordable coverage.
Family members (spouse and dependent kids) of a worker who is eligible for self-only coverage are NOT allowed to sign up via Marketplace ((currently)).
If adding the spouse to the policy pushes the total cost to more than 9.5% of household income, then one can claim the exemption of "total cost is unaffordable". If not, skipping adding the spouse triggers the penalty.