Time Running Out To Get Health Insurance During Special Enrollment Period

April 23, 2015

Only One Week Remaining for Tax Season Health Insurance Special Enrollment Period

Houghton, MI –Tax filers who paid a fee on their 2014 taxes for not having minimum essential health coverage have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 30, to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period to obtain coverage for the remainder of 2015 through the Federally-facilitated Marketplace.

Individuals currently uninsured and owing an uninsured fee for 2014, are encouraged to take advantage of this Special Enrollment Period. It is designed for individuals who were not aware of the effect the new healthcare law would have on their household.

The fee for tax filers not having minimum essential coverage in 2014 was 1 percent of their household income or $95 per person ($47.50 per child under 18), whichever is greater. This fee will increase in 2015 to 2 percent of household income or $325 per person ($162.50 per child under 18), whichever is greater. The fee is pro-rated based on how many months a person is uninsured. If an uninsured individual enrolls in coverage for the remainder of 2015, they will only be required to pay the fee only for the months they were uninsured.

Individuals seeking to take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period can find out if they are eligible by contacting Iola Brubaker, Outreach and Enrollment Specialist with the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center, at (906) 370-4075 oriola.brubaker@uglhealth.org, or by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage. Brubaker said, “Health coverage may be more affordable than you think.  Many people can find minimum essential coverage for $100 or less per month with tax credits available through the Marketplace.”

More information and help is available. Consumers may explore their options and get answers to questions by calling Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center at (906) 370-4075.