If you plan to file married filing separately, you are generally not eligible for Marketplace premium tax credits (subsidies). There is one narrow exception: victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment who meet specific IRS criteria may still qualify.
If you can file as head of household (you meet IRS rules for that status; for example, you’re unmarried or “considered unmarried,” you pay more than half the household costs, and you have a qualifying dependent), then you may be eligible for premium tax credits. The Marketplace bases eligibility on the tax-filing status you intend to use for the coverage year, so your filing status matters when you apply.
Quick checklist
Married filing jointly - you can qualify for subsidies if you meet the income and other rules
Married filing separately - you will usually not qualify for premium tax credits unless you meet the exception for domestic abuse or abandonment (please note, while eligible for subsidies if you meet either exception, you will need to apply directly through Healthcare.gov to receive premium tax credits)
Head of household - you may qualify if you meet the IRS rules for this filing status
What to do next
Check with a tax preparer or IRS guidance to confirm which filing status you can use. Start your Marketplace application using the filing status you plan to use for your tax return; the Marketplace will determine subsidy eligibility when you enter your household and income.