Obamacare: who may use it?

[Deep13]

My wife and I have a crummy HMO through her employer. Are we allowed to use the Obamacare health insurance marketplace? We're in Ohio, so we would be using the Federal system.

[pugetres]

1. I believe anyone without a state exchange can use it

but a person is not eligible for federal subsidies if they have an employer that offers health insurance benefits that meet the minimum standards as set out by the PPACA. Some employers do offer higher wages if one declines to enroll the health insurance that they offer. I would inquire with your wife's human resources contact so that you can determine who offers the best coverage and subsidy.

[Freddie]

2. Anyone can use the exchange but subsidies are the issue

If the employer offers a valid plan that covers the employee for 9.5% or less of his/her gross income then you are not eligible for the subsidy. This is the "family glitch" because it does not consider how much the employer may charge for dependent coverage.

[RBInMaine]

3. The intent has always been to target the uninsured. Most families will get a better deal through an

employer based plan. The intent is not to have a large number of people who can be in an employer based plan to switch to the ACA exchange plans. That could eventually drive up the costs of those employer group plans.

[pnwmom]

4. If you don't qualify for subsidies and -- especially if --

her employer made it worth your while to not use their insurance, you could also consider purchasing insurance directly from insurers rather than through the exchange. They are also bound by the ACA to cover all Essential Benefits, to take anyone regardless of preexisting conditions, and not to put annual or lifetime limits on coverage.

[Deep13]

5. Thanks all. Just to clarify....

We certainly no not qualify for subsidies. My wife works in her family business. So the HR rep. is her Mom. They offer crummy insurance to control costs.