Family of 3 Grouping Mix Up, Help

[Ann H]

You are correct that the exchange website does not allow it. As we all know, there are a few things that the website did that were not in alignment with the rules! I was wondering how long it will take them to rectify this, because liberals will want this fixed for domestic abuse victims and others who are "head of household" without the support of the other spouse.

I can't wait to hear about the first case that goes to appeal with the marketplace.

In the meantime, if your client can wait until tax-filing time to claim their subsidy as a refund, then they should enroll on the exchange.

 

[yorkriver1]

I have seen families where they don't file jointly due to the husband owing back child support. They are angry about the disruption to their way of making it through.

These "rules" for how to handle finances took time to become ingrained, new ones will take time to sink in.

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I believe I have seen situations where the person qualified in every way, but said they answered that they filed separately and were denied a subsidy.

According to workers at HC.gov, there is no way for subsidy to go through if the question is answered other than married filing jointly. This seems to be due to the way the automatic calculation and questions are set up now.

I had a situation where the spouse is in jail, and that counts as a valid reason for the other spouse to file as head of household. That person earns enough money that the cost of her insurance feels less than affordable, still may choose penalty.

If anyone has had a different result with the separated question on HC.gov, please let us know.