If my spouse and I file taxes separately but married, do I have to include both incomes for health insurance quotes?

[susanhumpback]

Medical insurance is based on salary and i can't afford medical insurance based on both my salary and my wife's retirement together. I can get cheaper insurance based on my salary alone. Is it legal to just list my salary?

[SweetieJean]

Quotes from whom? The ACA marketplace?

[TaxGuyBill · Accepted solution]

If the health insurance that you are talking about is from the Healthcare Marketplace, you will NOT get cheaper insurance.  If you file as Married Filing Separately, it disqualifies you from receiving the Premium Tax Credit to reduce the monthly insurance payment.

So you should probably file a Joint tax return, and include both of your incomes on the health insurance application.

[SweetieJean]

Taxpayers whose status is Married Filing Separately are not eligible to receive subsidies on the healthcare exchanges . Eligibility for subsidy is determined by total household income and total number of household members, and those filing Married Filing Separately are specifically excluded from eligibility for subsidy.