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 minimum value and affordability standards set by the government. If your job based offer 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 2020 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 .0978, you are NOT eligible for government assistance.
  • If the resulting number is MORE than .0978, wahoo! You ARE eligible for government assistance.

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 2020.

• 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 .0978, 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 9.78% of her income, she is NOT eligible to receive a tax credit through the Marketplace.

Note: If you're still applying for 2019 plans through the Special Enrollment Period, this percentage is slightly higher at 9.86%.

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