I lost my Advanced Premium Tax Credit. I got married, and my very modest salary increased from $34k to $36k. My partner does not bring any income, and she did not apply for marketplace coverage.

Please help! I just want to understand this better – I was receiving a lot of help from the tax credit, making my monthly insurance premium only $40. I went in to update my application as directed, so that my income was up to date and that I got married. My household now went from 1 to 2. That’s it. Is this correct?

So my monthly insurance premium is now $277 and to me that just seems off? Considering not much has changed. But from the research I have done so far I know that there are things to take into account in my situation.

Do I NEED to file jointly with my spouse?

The federal poverty line (and how it changes) affects who gets it and who doesn’t?

Aside from that I basically just want to have any clarification on those points and see if there is anything I am not understanding.

I am truly not hear to complain – I am trying my hardest to learn our healthcare system and recently with my state (Virginia) getting our own marketplace it has just been another variable in the whole thing. Any education on this is greatly appreciated. Feel free to explain anything like I am 5. Any help is much appreciated.