### Human:\nare we eligible for subsidies if we pay our health insurance premiums through an employer? . or do we have to sign up in the exchanges? if so how do we apply for subsidies?\n\n### Assistant: generally if you have health insurance through your employer the marketplaces are not for you. if the insurance you're offered at work costs no more than 9. 5% of your annual income and covers on average 60% of medical costs you won't qualify for a subsidy when buying insurance on the marketplaces even if your income would otherwise qualify you. you should have received a letter from your employer explaining whether or not your plan meets the law's requirements. likely your best bet is to stick with your employer's plan.