Since last October, Americans have had the opportunity to sign up for health insurance through the New Affordable Health Care Act. Through this act, those who qualify may be eligible to receive subsidies to help offset the cost of purchasing insurance. Many of the original deadlines for enrollment have already passed, but it is not too late to get your coverage.
The original deadline for coverage beginning January 1, 2014 was December 23, 2013. Additional deadlines are coming up and depend on when you want your coverage to begin.
If an insurance plan is selected by the 15th of the month, your coverage will begin the 1st of the following month. For example, January 15th is the deadline for coverage to begin February 1st. If you miss the mid-month deadline, your coverage will begin the 1st of the second following month. In this scenario, if you signed up after the 15th, coverage would begin on March 1st.
Open enrollment continues through March 31st. If you are not enrolled by this deadline you may be required to pay a tax penalty during the 2014 tax season. Penalties are paid for everyone in your home who does not have health insurance coverage.
For more information about your health insurance needs contact ISU Wissink Insurance.