I was hoping some people here who have more knowledge than me could shed some light on the Obamacare premium subsidies. We are a family of 3. My wife stays home and takes care of our son. I work full time and earn $30k per year. At the moment we cannot afford health insurance. Our son gets coverage via the Oregon Health Plan for free. After mortgage, bills, food and clothing we may have $50 at the end of the month to spare, but alot of times we have nothing at all.
My employer offers me coverage for $60 a month which I cannot afford right now so I don't have it. For coverage for my whole family it is $700 per month which is completely out of the question for us financially. From what I have read my wife and I will both be required to buy health insurance or pay a $695 penalty per year come 2014. After looking through various tables I should have to pay no more than 4% of my income which is $100 per month. I earn too much to be covered by medicaid.
I have two questions. If I cannot afford $60 per month now then obviously I cannot afford $100 per month. So it seems to me I will be paying $58 per month in a penalty tax (which again I cannot afford) with still no coverage? And is the $695 penalty for both my wife and I or is it per person?
Secondly it seems the premium subsidy is paid via a tax credit. Obviously lower income families are going to struggle to pay for the first 12 months before they see a dime of the tax credit. Is there a system in place where families will receive the subsidy on a monthly basis upfront?
Thanks in advance.
My employer offers me coverage for $60 a month which I cannot afford right now so I don't have it. For coverage for my whole family it is $700 per month which is completely out of the question for us financially. From what I have read my wife and I will both be required to buy health insurance or pay a $695 penalty per year come 2014. After looking through various tables I should have to pay no more than 4% of my income which is $100 per month. I earn too much to be covered by medicaid.
I have two questions. If I cannot afford $60 per month now then obviously I cannot afford $100 per month. So it seems to me I will be paying $58 per month in a penalty tax (which again I cannot afford) with still no coverage? And is the $695 penalty for both my wife and I or is it per person?
Secondly it seems the premium subsidy is paid via a tax credit. Obviously lower income families are going to struggle to pay for the first 12 months before they see a dime of the tax credit. Is there a system in place where families will receive the subsidy on a monthly basis upfront?
Thanks in advance.