The open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act 2015 plan year (and later) through the Healthcare Marketplace, at healthcare.gov, will begin on Saturday, and end on Feb.
15, 2015.
Healthcare navigators with the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga are available to offer free assistance with enrolling through the marketplace for local citizens. To make an appointment, folks are encouraged to call 423-622-2872 or attend one of the enrollment sessions in the community.
“Health insurance can be a lifeline in case of an accident or illness and provide important access to regular check-ups and preventive care,” said Nancy Ridge, Medical Foundation Healthcare Navigation manager. “Getting covered now will help ensure your financial security later. It’s a big deal!”
Those desiring coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2015, must enroll by Dec. 15. People experiencing events that change their circumstances during the year, such as childbirth or job loss, may qualify for a special enrollment period outside of the annual open enrollment period.
Insurance applications submitted by Dec. 15, shall become effective by January 1, 2015. Insurance applications submitted after Dec. 15, during open enrollment shall become effective according to the following rules:
· Applications submitted between the first and 15th days of the month shall result in coverage beginning the first day of the following month
· Applications submitted between the 16th and the last day of the month shall result in coverage beginning the first day of the second following month
“For those consumers who enrolled last year in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans we encourage you to update your applications and shop again this year,” Ms. Ridge said. “Things may have changed and new products and insurance companies are available this year. “
After the end of the open enrollment period, most consumers lacking health insurance coverage, except those qualifying for special enrollment, will be locked out of the individual insurance market until the beginning of the next open enrollment period. These consumers will not be able to get effective coverage under a qualified health plan from the individual insurance market until Jan. 1, 2016 at the earliest, but before that time they can still enroll in other kinds of off-exchange insurance such as short-term or large group plans. However short-term insurance plans do not qualify as creditable coverage, so short- term plan enrollees will still face a tax penalty for not being enrolled in a qualified health plan.
The tax penalty for individuals not enrolled in qualified health plans in 2014 is the greater of 1% of annual household income or $95. If an individual signs up late for a qualified health plan, then their penalty will be reduced by the proportion of time during which they were covered. Furthermore people that are uninsured for less than three months do not have to pay a penalty.
There is a short window of opportunity to get enrolled in quality healthcare plans through the marketplace. Call today to make an appointment for face to face assistance or for more information on open enrollment events throughout the community. Certified Navigators at the Medical Foundation can also answer your questions concerning re-enrollment and possible exemptions from penalties.
Healthcare navigators will be available in the community at the following locations and times:
· Saturday, Nov. 15 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – New Covenant Fellowship, 1326 N. Moore Rd., Chattanooga.
· Tuesday, Nov. 18 – 4-7 p.m. – Collegedale Library, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale.
· Thursday, Nov. 20 – 5-7:30 p.m. – Clyde Roddy Library, 371 First Ave., Dayton, Tn.
· Saturday, Nov. 22 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (CST) – Jasper Public Library, 14 W. Second St., Jasper, Tn.
· Tuesday, Dec. 2 – 4-7 p.m. – Collegedale Library, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale.
· Saturday, Dec. 6 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Cleveland Public Library, 795 Church St. SE, Cleveland, Tn.
· Tuesday, Dec. 9 – 3-7 p.m. – Polk County Library, 126 Polk St., Benton, Tn.