The Premium Tax Credit

The premium tax credit – also known as PTC – is a refundable credit that helps eligible individuals and families cover the premiums for their health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. To get this credit, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return.

Who Qualifies

You are eligible for the premium tax credit if you meet all of the following requirements. You: Have household income that falls within a certain range. Do not file a tax return using the filing status of Married Filing Separately There is an exception to this rule that allows certain victims of domestic abuse and spousal abandonment to claim the credit using Married Filing Separately; for more information, see the Premium Tax Credit questions and answers. Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person Meet these additional requirements: In the same month, you or a family member: Have health insurance coverage through a Health Insurance Marketplace Are not able to get affordable coverage through an eligible employer-sponsored plan that provides minimum value. Are not eligible for coverage through a government program, like Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP or TRICARE. Pay the share of premiums not covered by advance credit payments. For more information about these eligibility requirements see Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit. When you enroll, the Marketplace will determine if you are eligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit, also called advance credit payments.  Advance credit payments are amounts paid to your insurance company on your behalf to lower the out-of-pocket cost for your health insurance premiums.