Penalty fee for not having health insurance increases this year

Penalty fee for not having health insurance increases this year

Bayfront Health can help with enrollment

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2015) – Beginning Nov. 1, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda will again help area residents learn about and enroll in health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, most U.S. citizens were required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. Since the passage of the ACA five years ago, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage. Yet, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.

“As a primary health provider in Southwest Florida, our goal is to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven’t yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified,” says Richard H. Satcher, Market CEO of Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “During the next few months, we’ll be hosting events to help these individuals find affordable coverage.”

Health Plans on Health Insurance Marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace provides U.S. citizens access to affordable health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for government financial assistance – or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.

All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.

The penalty fee for not having insurance has increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2016, but don’t sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($695 per adult, $347.50 per child – up to $2,085/family or 2.5% of family income, whichever is higher). You will have to pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file. And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs.

“This is where Bayfront Health can assist,” says Satcher. “With many people not having access to a computer or having difficulty maneuvering on the government website, our application counselors can help individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance. We’ll also help with re-enrollment.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

“While Florida has not expanded Medicaid, government subsidies to help citizens obtain coverage are available, depending on income and other qualifications,” explains Satcher. “We can help screen these individuals and if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately.”

Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with enrollment and re-enrollment. To make an appointment to meet with an application counselor, call Bayfront Health Port Charlotte at 941-766-4370 or Bayfront Health Punta Gorda 941-637-2503.

“Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve by helping residents gain access to healthcare services,” says Satcher.