in most cases you will not be eligible for tax subsidies through the affordable care act's exchanges if you have employer provided coverage. and in many cases the coverage available through an employer may be more affordable because most employers help subsidize coverage for their workers. if a spouse or dependent is not covered through your employer plan and if they meet the income thresholds (adjusted gross income below 400 percent of the federal poverty level) then they should be able to shop in the exchanges and receive a tax subsidy. one caveat. there are some instances where even when an employer offers coverage you can shop in the exchange because the employer coverage may not be deemed "affordable. " the law contains certain guidelines as to what "affordable" employer coverage means. your employer is required to give you notice if the coverage they offer is not affordable. so check with your employer. but if they have not provided this notice it is most likely that only your spouse and other dependents may be eligible for tax subsidies through the insurance exchange.
can you only use a tax subsidy (when employed) if your employer doesn't offer coverage to spouses/dependents? . does it have anything to do with the amount they contribute?