Is there help paying for health insurance?

Many households qualify for savings based on income and family size. The free subsidy check gives you an idea, and David confirms it with you.

More detail

Here's how it works. Your savings are based on your household size and your income estimate for the year you want coverage, not last year's income. Your household is you, your spouse if you're married, and anyone you'll claim as a tax dependent.

Say you're self-employed and expect a slower year. You'd start with your household's adjusted gross income and adjust it for the changes you expect.

The mistake to avoid is setting it and forgetting it. If your income or household changes during the year, update your application as soon as you can. If you used savings to lower your monthly premium and your estimate turned out too low, you'll have to pay the difference back when you file your federal taxes.

What to have ready: • Last year's tax return • Recent pay stubs or business income records • Who you'll claim on your taxes

I'll help you build a careful estimate, and we'll update it together if things change.