Residents who paid this year’s Affordable Care Act’s tax penalty for the uninsured have one last opportunity to enroll if they wish to avoid next year’s fines — which will double over this year’s rates.
The online insurance marketplace at HealthCare.gov opened on March 15 for individuals who paid a penalty with their 2014 tax return, and will remain open for enrollment through April 30.
Those who sign up for insurance through the marketplace by April 30 will not have to pay the 2015 tax penalties, which will cost $325 per uninsured adult and $162.50 per uninsured child, or 2 percent of their household income, whichever is greater.
The next open enrollment period for the online marketplace will begin Oct. 15, and insurance purchased at that time will take effect on Jan. 1, 2016 — too late to prevent the 2015 penalties from taking effect. However, people who experience qualifying events during the year, such as a loss of employer-provided insurance, may sign up through the marketplace as needed.
For those who may need help navigating the online marketplace or finding affordable insurance plans, Becky Trigg, director of marketing for Mountain West Medical Center, said Eligibility Services representatives at the hospital are available for free consultations during the special tax season enrollment period. To arrange a consultation, residents should call 435-843-3713.
Eligibility Services can help residents apply for insurance on HealthCare.gov or evaluate their eligibility for Medicaid. The specialists there can also help residents apply for tax exemptions if they do not qualify for either insurance option.
The typical consultation takes just 30 minutes, said Kira Loretz, an Eligibility Services representative at Mountain West.