if you qualify for a tax credit you'll be able to take it right away in the form of lower monthly premiums. if you prefer you can also pay the full premium throughout the year and take the credit at tax time meaning the premiums are paid with after-tax dollars. generally you pay with after-tax dollars when you buy insurance on your own unlike employer sponsored plans which you do pay for with pre-tax dollars.
are health insurance plans on the marketplace pre-taxed or do you have to pay at the end of the year?