The premium tax credit is a refundable credit that helps low-income individuals & families afford health insurance purchased through the marketplace.  You must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

Your household income must be at least 100, but not more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size.

You cannot file Married Filing Separate.

You cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person.

When you apply for health insurance through the marketplace your premium tax credit amount will be estimated.  You can use the estimated credit to lower your monthly premium payments or you can wait and claim the credit on your tax return and receive a larger refund (or lower tax due).

Marketplace open enrollment runs through January 1, 2016, visit healthcare.gov.