Video transcript:
The Affordable Care Act provides a cost-sharing subsidy designed to lower your out-of-pocket health care costs. You may qualify for a cost-sharing subsidy if you meet all of the following requirements:
- you're lawfully present in the U.S.
- you aren't able to get employer or government sponsored insurance
- you meet certain household income requirements
Although the health insurance marketplace offers a variety of plans, cost-sharing subsidies only apply to Silver Plans from the Marketplace.
When you apply for health care coverage through the Marketplace, your cost-sharing subsidy will be calculated based on your income and family size. In general, the lower your household income, the higher your subsidy.
The subsidy lowers the amount you're expected to pay for out-of-pocket health care costs. For example, a typical Silver Plan might cover 70% of your health care costs, while you're expected to pay the other 30%, out of pocket. With a cost-sharing subsidy, the amount you're expected to pay is lowered, while the subsidy covers the difference.
That means lower costs for things like:
- co-payments
- deductibles
- co-insurance
- prescription drugs
The cost-sharing subsidy is not the same as the Premium Tax Credit.
- The subsidy lowers the amount you're expected to pay for out-of-pocket health care costs.
- The Premium Tax Credit can lower your monthly heath insurance premiums.
- However, if you qualify for a cost-sharing subsidy, you may be able to claim the Premium Tax Credit, as well.
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