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What happens if I accept an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) offer?

Learn how an ICHRA works, including how employer reimbursements apply to Marketplace plans, what happens if you accept or decline the offer, and how affordability rules affect your eligibility for premium tax credits.

Sammi Lane avatar
Written by Sammi Lane
Updated over a week ago

If you accept an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) from your employer, your employer will reimburse you for health coverage you buy on your own, such as a Marketplace plan or another individual policy.

How it works

  • Your employer gives you a set allowance of money each month to help pay for your health insurance premiums and certain medical expenses.

  • You choose and enroll in a Marketplace plan or other individual coverage that meets ICHRA requirements.

  • After you make payments for your plan, your employer reimburses you up to the allowance amount.

Important to know

  • Once you accept an ICHRA offer, you can’t receive Marketplace premium tax credits (subsidies)

  • If you use your ICHRA allowance for a Marketplace plan, you’ll pay the remaining premium cost out of pocket after reimbursement.

  • You’ll need to keep records of your payments in case your employer asks for proof of coverage or expenses.

If you don’t accept the ICHRA

You can decline the offer and apply for Marketplace savings, but only if your employer’s ICHRA offer is considered unaffordable under IRS rules.

Need help?

If you’re not sure whether to accept or decline an ICHRA offer, our Consumer Advocate team can help you understand your options. Call 855-772-2663, Monday–Friday, 6am–4pm PT.

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