One More Day to Enroll in ACA

from the inbox:

Just one day remains for Pennsylvanians who faced a fine on their 2014 tax return for not having health coverage to enroll in a plan through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid facing the full fine next year.

In February, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new, time-limited special enrollment period ending on April 30, 2015, giving some uninsured Pennsylvanians who did not realize they would be fined for not having health coverage another opportunity to enroll in a plan for 2015.

“This new special enrollment period has given uninsured Pennsylvanians another chance to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage and avoid the full fine on their 2015 taxes,” said Get Covered America Pennsylvania State Director Neil Deegan. “With one day left until the deadline, eligible Pennsylvanians should know about this opportunity to get covered so they can experience the peace of mind and financial security that comes with having health insurance.”

To qualify for this special enrollment period, consumers must attest that they first became aware of the implications of the fine after the end of open enrollment when they were preparing their taxes and were subject to the fine for not having health coverage in 2014.

The fine for not having health insurance for 2014 is $95 per adult in the family or 1 percent of household income, whichever is higher. For 2015, the fine increases to $325 per adult in the family or 2 percent of household income, whichever is higher.

There are other opportunities for Pennsylvanians to enroll outside the open enrollment window if they experience a life changing event during the year such as getting married, having a baby, or moving to a different coverage area among others. Lower-income Pennsylvanians who qualify for low cost coverage through the new Health Choices plan can enroll year-round.

To find out if you are still eligible to enroll, Pennsylvanians can schedule an appointment with an enrollment assister by visiting the Get Covered Connector, atwww.getcoveredamerica.org/connector or by calling the Pennsylvania Health Access Network at 1-877-570-3642.To find out if you have experienced a qualifying life event, you can visit the HHS screener and answer a few questions.