this is an issue of concern for many families. the law states that employer-sponsored health insurance is "affordable" if individual coverage doesn't exceed 9. 5% of your annual income. it doesn't include the cost of family coverage which is obviously much higher. under the law if you have an offer of affordable employer coverage you're not eligible for subsidies through the marketplaces meaning your family will have to pay the full cost of coverage with no financial assistance from the government. you can shop outside of the marketplace if you wish and if you're not eligible for a tax credit you may find broader options available to you. you can work with an agent.
i currently have health insurance through my employer. to add my husband and child it would be over $1 000 a month since my employer only covers my portion of the insurance. from what i've heard we would fall into the "family penalty" group and would not qualify for a subsidy since it would be considered affordable due to my insurance cost and not the family insurance cost. are there any options for us and would we still be able to shop in the marketplace even with the "family penalty"?