Premium and cost-sharing subsidies are available only through the Exchange starting in 2014 and are determined by income level and family composition. See the Kaiser Family Foundation’s premium subsidy calculator to determine if you are eligible for premium or cost-sharing subsidies.

Generally speaking, premium subsidies will be available for individuals and families with incomes between 133-400 percent of the federal poverty line ($29,327 to $88,200 for a family of four in 2009) to help them purchase insurance through the Exchange. These subsidies will be offered on a sliding scale basis and will limit the cost of the premium to between 2 percent of income for those up to 133 percent of the poverty level and 9.5 percent of income for those between 300-400 percent of the poverty level.

Employees who are offered coverage by an employer are not eligible for premium credits unless the employer plan does not have an actuarial value of at least 60 percent (i.e. the essential benefits package) or if the employee’s share of the premium exceeds 9.5% of income. See questions 11 and 12 for explanations on the essential benefits plan and its actuarial value.