I’m eligible for job based coverage, can I still shop around for another health plan through Stride?

Sure! However...

You are likely ineligible for a subsidized health plan if you are enrolled in or eligible for health coverage through your employer or through a spouse’s employer.

This is because most employer plans meet the minimum value and affordability standards set by the government. If your job-based plan meets this affordability standard, then you will have to pay full price for a Marketplace plan, which is likely even more expensive!

Want to double-check if you're eligible for a government subsidy?

Follow these steps for 2021 plans:

• Figure out the monthly cost to cover the employee only.
• Multiply that number by twelve.
• Divide the resulting number by the entire household income.
  
  • If the resulting number is LESS than .0983, you are NOT eligible for government assistance.
  • If the resulting number is MORE than .0983, wahoo! You ARE eligible for government assistance.
• AKA if your employer plan will require you to spend less than 9.83% of your HOUSEHOLD income in 2021, you are NOT eligible for a tax credit and you can only enroll in a FULL price plan.

Here's an example to help:

Cam is eligible for coverage through her employer for $50/month and estimates that she will be earning $30,000 for 2021.

• Figure out the monthly cost to cover the employee only.
  • $50/month
• Multiply that number by twelve, for every month of the year.
  • $50 x 12 = $600
• Divide the resulting number by the entire household income.
  • $600 / $30,000 = .02
    • If the resulting number is LESS than .0983, you are NOT eligible for government assistance.
    • If the resulting number is MORE than .0978, wahoo! You ARE eligible for government assistance.

Unfortunately, because Cam's share of the premium is less than 9.83% of her income, she is NOT eligible to receive a tax credit through the Marketplace.

Remember, affordability is determined only by the cost of self-only coverage, not by the cost of additional coverage for your spouse or family.