Is COBRA eligible for premium tax credit?

Asked by: Antoinette Hane DVM  |  Last update: June 9, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (34 votes)

Does my eligibility for COBRA or other continuation coverage affect my eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions in the Marketplace? No, just being eligible for COBRA doesn't affect your eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions if you enroll in a Marketplace plan.

Can I get premium tax credit for COBRA?

The same rules that apply to people who are eligible for retiree coverage apply to people who are eligible for COBRA. Like retiree coverage, an offer of COBRA does not bar someone from being eligible for a premium tax credit. It is only a barrier to receiving the credit if the person actually enrolls.

What disqualifies you from the premium tax credit?

For tax years other than 2021 and 2022, if your household income on your tax return is more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size, you are not allowed a premium tax credit and will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your tax family members.

Can I claim COBRA premiums on taxes?

According to the Federal tax laws, your unreimbursed COBRA payments are, in fact, deductible as medical expenses on your 1040 tax return in the same way that you can deduct unreimbursed payments for legal medical services provided by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners, as well as any ...

Can I get ACA if I have COBRA?

During Marketplace Open Enrollment, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan even if you already have COBRA.

Premium Tax Credit Explained

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Is it better to use COBRA or ACA?

One of the primary advantages of the ACA Marketplace is its financial accessibility. Not only are Marketplace plans generally less expensive than COBRA, but a significant portion of individuals qualify for subsidies which can further reduce the cost.

What disqualifies you from ACA?

Can you be denied Obamacare? As long as you are eligible for Obamacare, you can't be denied. That means that as long as you are living in the U.S. lawfully and are not incarcerated or covered by Medicare, you can enroll in an ACA insurance plan.

What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?

You have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored benefits end. Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended.

Is ACA premium tax deductible?

If you paid the premiums for a policy you obtained yourself, (such as through the marketplace) your health insurance premium is deductible when they are out-of-pocket costs.

Are COBRA premiums eligible for HSA reimbursement?

COBRA premiums are not eligible under a flexible spending account (FSA). They are eligible under a health savings account (HSA), and may be eligible under a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). HRA account holders should check with their benefits administrator to determine eligibility for their plan.

Who cannot claim premium credit?

2021 and 2022 PTC Eligibility.

For tax years 2021 and 2022, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) temporarily expanded eligibility for the premium tax credit by eliminating the rule that a taxpayer with household income above 400% of the federal poverty line cannot qualify for a premium tax credit.

How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.

What income is used to determine premium tax credits?

For purposes of the premium tax credit, your household income is your modified adjusted gross income for the year plus that of every other member of your family (see Q6) who is required to file a federal income tax return.

Who Cannot take the premium tax credit?

In addition, to be eligible for the premium tax credits, individuals must not be eligible for public coverage—including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Medicare, or military coverage—and must not have access to health insurance through an employer.

What is a COBRA premium subsidy?

The federal government initiated several programs to address the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak. One of these programs was the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidy, which excluded qualified individuals from paying premiums for a specified duration.

What is the highest income to qualify for ACA?

In 2025, you'll typically be eligible for ACA subsidies if you earn between $15,060 and $60,240 as a single person. A family of four is eligible with a household income between $31,200 and $124,800.

Should I use all of my premium tax credits?

You can use all, some, or none of your premium tax credit in advance to lower your monthly premium. If you use more advance payments of the tax credit than you qualify for based on your final yearly income, you must repay the difference when you file your federal income tax return.

What plans are exempt from ACA?

Grandfathered plans are exempted from many changes required under the Affordable Care Act. Group plans or individual policies may lose their grandfathered status if they make certain significant changes that reduce benefits or increase costs to consumers.

Is credit for elderly or disabled refundable?

The Credit of the Elderly or the Disabled is nonrefundable and can only offset taxes owed, with specific income limits depending on filing status and AGI.

Who is not eligible for COBRA?

Why would an employee not qualify to enroll in Cal-COBRA? The employee is enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. The employee does not enroll within 60 days of receiving the notice of eligibility from the employer. The employee is covered by another health plan.

What is the 105 day COBRA loophole?

So, if you maxed out the 60 day election period plus the 45 day payment period, you could actually go 105 days without paying for the coverage.

Is COBRA coverage worth it?

If you're close to meeting your deductible on your current insurance plan and you have high health care costs, it may be worth it to temporarily stay on your COBRA plan,” explains Donovan. The same holds true if you're far into your employer plan's year and have already met your deductible.

What is the 30 hour rule for ACA?

If an employee is credited with an average of 30 hours per week or more during the Standard Measurement Period, the employee would be eligible for benefits for the upcoming plan year. The Stability Period is the period of time that the employee cannot lose eligibility regardless of the hours he works.

What happens if I underestimate my income for Obamacare in 2024?

For the 2024 tax year, if you underestimated your income and received a larger tax credit than you were eligible for, you must repay the difference between the amount of premium tax credit you received and the amount you were eligible for.