Many Americans are not aware of the rule regarding tax penalties which are still in effect. The fine for not having a qualified health plan is either $695 or 2½ percent of the consumer’s household income, whichever is higher.
BEDFORD PARK, Ill (PRWEB) November 16, 2017
“Consumers have less than one month to secure qualifying health insurance before they will be subject to significant penalty. During the first 2 weeks of the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) over one million people have already selected plans. The volume of callers will continue to rise as the closing date drawers closer,” Bob Dial, Vice President, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (ACAEnroll.com).
“Many Americans are not aware of the rule regarding tax penalties which are still in effect. If a consumer who can afford health insurance does not purchase coverage during OEP, they will still be subject to a government fine. The fine for not having a qualified health plan is either $695 or 2½ percent of the consumer’s household income, whichever is higher. After OEP ends on December 15, 2017, consumers will not be able to get health coverage through the Marketplace until the next annual OEP, unless they have a qualifying life event, “ concluded Dial.
To avoid tax penalties Dial offers the following tips:
1. Work with a knowledgeable, licensed and certified professional.
A certified professional will work to understand the insured’s individual health needs, ensure they are in a plan and with a network that meets their provider needs, calculates the cost for their insurance, including obtaining any premium subsidies available for the consumer, which will help offset the cost of their annual premium.
2. Enroll as soon as possible.
The shortened enrollment period will put added strain on HealthCare.gov and those manning the call centers. Enrollment numbers are up from previous years.
3. Educate yourself with new rules and features that will take effect this enrollment period.
Two new rules for the upcoming OEP, which may have a major effect on a consumer applying for coverage include:
1. If a consumer has an outstanding premium balance from their 2017 health plan, the carrier may refuse them new coverage, until that premium is paid.
2. If a consumer has not yet filed their 2016 Federal Tax Return, the consumer may not be eligible for any premium subsidies.
Dial further explained that the funding for Navigators has also been reduced, as such, there will be fewer resources available to assist consumers with shopping for a plan, calculating their subsidies and enrolling them for coverage for their 2018 health plan.
ACAEnroll.com stands ready to assist consumer with all their enrollment needs. Their dedicated Call Center consists of a team of multi-lingual, health insurance professionals, that are trained to walk a client through the entire process of selecting a healthcare plan and enrolling them for their coverage, as well as responding to any questions they may have regarding their new health insurance policy. The ACAEnroll.com Call Center will be available to assist consumer with enrolling for their 2018 health plan. Go to http://www.ACAEnroll.com or call 1-800-342-0631 for more information.
About ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions:
Headquartered in Bedford Park, Illinois, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (aka ACAEnroll.com) is a national enrollment firm specializing in the Health Insurance Marketplace as well as variety of other ancillary health insurance products, including Dental, Critical Illness, Short Term Medical, and others. ACAEnroll.com provide enrollments services throughout the country, through national and regional insurance carriers. Effective November 1, 2017, the health insurance Marketplace opened for enrollment. The ACAEnroll.com Call Center will be available to assist consumer with enrolling for their 2018 health plan. Go to http://www.ACAEnroll.com or call 1-800-342-0631 for more information.