The issue is known as the ACA "Family Glitch" where there is an affordability test to qualify for ACA. The problem is that there are two tests. The test is premiums must be under 9.12% of family income to qualify. One for my wife based on an employee only offered by employee. Under this test for employee only, my wife's premiums (about $235/mo)are about 4%, which does not qualify. But under the family insurance premium rate (about 711/mo) the premiums are about 13% which does qualify myself and my daughter. This is per discussions with ACA marketplace broker. And Yes you are REQUIRED to use the combined family income for both of these tests, strange as it seems. More info here:
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-coverage/
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/final-rule-lessens-family-members-de...
https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2022/family-glitch-fix-provides-new-affordable-coverage-option
https://www.healthinsurance.org/obamacare/no-family-left-behind-by-obamacare/
https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/navigating-the-family-glitch-fix-hurdles-for-consumers...
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/health_law/section-news/2022/october/irs-finalizes-rule-fixing-th...
