Question: I recently got married, my husband has been receiving Covered California benefits and I have been on MediCal. I just signed a contract with a school district today that offers health coverage for both of us. I plan to sign up for benefits for myself, but is my husband required to accept my employer health coverage as well? Will we be penalized during tax season for the 3/4 of a year that we were receiving assistance before getting benefits?

Answer: While your husband is not required to accept your employer-based health coverage, he will no longer be eligible for premium assistance through Covered California. He will not be penalized for receiving subsidized coverage in 2016. However, if you are filing a joint tax return for 2016, your combined income may result in a subsidy "overpayment" for him which you will have to repay as part of your 2016 federal income tax.