Question: My wife and I currently both have the Blue Cross Enhanced Silver 87 plan that we pay $129 a month for based on 2016 projected earnings of $30,130. What is the penalty for us if our earnings would be say $33,000 for 2016? If we exceed by $100 is the penalty the same as if we exceed by $1000?

Answer: First of all, there is no "penalty" for unexpected fluctuations in annual income. If you received more premium assistance than you were entitled to based on your income, the IRS will make the adjustment retroactively on your tax return for that year. The premium assistance due for an income of $33,000 versus $30,130 would be about $400 less for the year. You would pay that back through an additional $400 in federal income tax.