PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2015) – If you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty. Under the Affordable Care Act, 2015 is the first year Americans must prove they had qualifying health insurance (or an approved exemption) for the previous year (when filing 2014 taxes), or face a tax penalty.
For 2015, if you don’t obtain insurance by Feb. 15, 2015, the last day of the Open Enrollment period, the penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each full month you don't have health insurance in 2015. The penalty fee is $325 per adult, $162.50 per child – up to $975/family or 2% of family income, whichever is higher. And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs.
The good news is based on household income and dependents, some individuals may qualify for financial assistance from the government – or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.
“This is where Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda can help the uninsured in our community,” said Ricky Satcher, Market CEO, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “With many people lacking access to a computer or just need help maneuvering through the enrollment website, our application counselors can help. We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options.”
In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states, the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.
“Even though Florida has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many individuals in our community who qualify for Medicaid coverage,” explained Satcher. “We can help screen these individuals and if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately.”
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and its employed physicians accept Marketplace health plans from the following insurance carriers: Florida Blue, Assurant (Aetna network), United Healthcare, and Humana. Bayfront Health Punta Gorda and its employed physicians accept the following Marketplace health plans: Florida Blue, Assurant (Aetna network), and United Healthcare.
“Let us help take the frustration out of the enrollment process. Call us at (941) 766-4370 at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte or (941) 637-2503 at Bayfront Health Punta Gorda before February 15 to help you get a healthy start to the New Year,” said Satcher.
