Bedford Park, IL (PRWEB) March 19, 2015 -- “This Tax Season Special Enrollment Period(SEP) will allow those individuals and families, who were unaware or did not understand the implications of not having qualified coverage, the opportunity to enroll in a qualified health plan. By doing so now, they will significantly reduce the larger 2015 fines established under the government’s shared responsibility payment,” explained Robert Dial, Chief Compliance Officer,ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions.
“This Tax Season Special Enrollment Period applies to the 37 states operating on the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace (FFM). Most of the state-run marketplaces are also allowing an SEP for tax season. In order to assist uninsured Americans, the multi-lingual, certified and licensed ACAenroll.com agents are offering extended service hours during this period which runs from March 15 – April 30,” concluded Dial.
Below are the eligibility requirements for individuals or families to enroll in coverage during this Special Enrollment Period (1):
• Currently are not enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace;
• Attest that they owe the fee for not having coverage in 2014; and
• Attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications, of the Shared Responsibility Payment after the end of open enrollment (February 15, 2015) in connection with preparing their 2014 taxes.
In addition to the 37 states operating on the federal exchange, the following state-run marketplaces are also allowing an SEP for tax season with these state-specific dates:
California: February 23rd-April 30th
Connecticut: No specific dates; an ACA.enroll.com agent can explain state specific provisions
Kentucky: March 2nd-April 30th
Maryland: March 2nd-April 30th
Minnesota: March 1st- April 30th
New York March 1st-April 30th
Washington February 17th-April 17th
Dial added, “The shared responsibility payment will be collected when the individual files their federal income tax return for 2014 in 2015 and again on their 2015 tax return in 2016. If the shared responsibility payment is not paid, the IRS will deduct the amount of the penalty from any future tax refund(s). For many uninsured Americans the severity of the monetary fines for not obtaining minimum essential health coverage is coming to light as they file their 2014 tax returns. Unfortunately the 2015 shared responsibility payment will be even higher.”
If an individual does not have qualified minimum essential health coverage in 2015, they will pay the HIGHER of these amounts (2):
• 2% of yearly household income. (Only the amount of income above the tax-filing threshold, about $10,000 for an individual, is used to calculate the penalty.) The maximum penalty is the national average premium for a bronze plan.
• $325 per person for the year ($162.50 per child under 18). The maximum penalty per family using this method is $975.
By enrolling in coverage now, an individual will significantly reduce the tax penalty owed for the 2015 tax year, only owing a pro-rated amount for the months without coverage. (4)
With the dramatic 2015 penalty increase for not having health insurance, it is critical all Americans obtain qualified health insurance. ACAenroll.com licensed insurance professionals have a wealth of experience to guide individuals and assist them in selecting a health insurance policy that meets their health needs, is affordable, and protects them from hefty penalties.
The good news is that 87% of Americans who enrolled in HealthCare.gov qualified for an average tax credit of $263 per month, according to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on March 10th. Additionally, more than half selected a plan with a monthly premium of $100 or less after tax credits; about eight in ten of these individuals had the option of selecting such a plan. (3) ACAenroll.com agents have the experience to guide the insured to select a plan that qualifies for essential minimal coverage and meets their specific budget requirements.
About ACAMES:
ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (ACAenroll.com) is a national enrollment firm specializing in the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Senior Product Market. ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions is not affiliated with any governmental agency. We work with consumers to determine their subsidy eligibility, review benefits and plans that will meet their healthcare needs and get them enrolled for coverage. We offer opportunities for producers to have access to our carriers on a national level. Our Call Center is staffed with multi-lingual and licensed health insurance agents who also are certified on the exchange. The company’s website http://www.ACAenroll.com and our Call Center staff are available to assist enrollees through the entire enrollment process. Go to http://www.ACAenroll.com or contact 1-800-342-0631 for more information.
Sources:
(1) http://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Press-releases/2015-Press-releases-items/2015-02-20.html
(2) https://www.healthcare.gov/fees-exemptions/fee-for-not-being-covered/
(3) http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2015pres/03/20150310a.html
(4) http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/The-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Payment-An-Overview
Linda Gardner, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Soultions, http://www.ACAenroll.com, +1 708-638-9579, [email protected]
SOURCE ACA Marketplace Enrollment Soultions
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