Olson to provide help with Affordable Care Act options
On March 10, Nancy Olson, a certified marketplace navigator at United Way, will be at the Beacon of H.O.P.E. to assist islanders with their “Obama Care” (Affordable Care Act) requirements prior to the income tax filing deadline.
“The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties has partnered with the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida to assist our community with questions and application assistance for affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace,” said Betsy Haesemeyer, director of Beacon of H.O.P.E.
Certified Marketplace Navigators assist consumers to determine if they qualify for Advanced Premium Tax Credits. APTCs are funds from the government that keep health insurance premiums down and therefore are more affordable. Consumers must meet certain criteria to qualify for the tax credit assistance.
2016 open enrollment is currently closed as of Jan. 31, therefore you must qualify for Special Enrollment Period for the remainder of 2016.
Islanders may be eligible to enroll in coverage for 2016 during a Special Enrollment Period if they have a qualifying life event. A qualifying event can be marriage or divorce, have a child, change of income, change of residence and other various life changes.
Navigators can also offer assistance with applying for an exemption from the penalty due to affordability. An exemption code from the Marketplace is mandatory to avoid the penalty for not having health coverage, which is $695 per adult, $347.50 per child under 18, or 2.5 percent of the household income, whichever is higher.
For further information, please contact Olson, United Way 211/Healthcare Navigator, at 239-433-3900, extension 237. She will answer any questions and schedule an appointment at the Beacon of H.O.P.E./United Way House.
The Beacon of H.O..PE. is at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St James City. Call 239-283-5123.