What is the Health Coverage Tax Credit and can it help me pay for COBRA?

Certain individuals may be eligible for a refundable Federal income tax credit that can help with qualified monthly premium payments. The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), while available, may be used to pay for specified types of health insurance coverage (including COBRA continuation coverage).

Those potentially eligible for the HCTC include workers who lose their jobs due to the negative effects of

global trade and who are eligible to receive certain benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program, as well as certain individuals who are receiving pension payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). The HCTC pays 72.5 percent of qualified health insurance premiums, with individuals paying 27.5 percent. For more information on TAA, visit doleta.gov/tradeact/.

Individuals who are eligible for the HCTC may claim the tax credit on their income tax returns at the end of the year. The tax credit also may be available as an advance monthly payment beginning in 2017. Qualified family members of eligible TAA recipients or PBGC payees who enroll in Medicare, pass

away, or finalize a divorce, are eligible to receive the HCTC for up to 24 months from the month of the event.

Individuals with questions about the Health Coverage Tax Credit should visit IRS.gov/HCTC.