it looks like you've already done a lot of research on your options. if you do qualify for tax credit subsidies from the federal government you can choose to pay the monthly premium in advance and then claim the credit later on your taxes or to have the credit sent directly to the insurer. if you choose the second approach you would pay the reduced premium amount. for consumers who qualify for additional assistance with reduced copayments and deductibles those extra subsidies are sent directly to the insurer or health plan you choose so you do not have to pay those amounts out of pocket.
i have quotes for myself and my 2 children for a plan through the health insurance marketplace. one example of marketplace costs is blue cross premier gold = monthly premium of $1 112. 09. figuring it with my actual income reduces it with tax credit subsidies to $614. 01 per month. does the government pay that difference to bcbs or does bcbs reduce the premium?