Health care enrollment extension available before tax time

Medicare and Medicaid announced last week that an additional special HealthCare.gov enrollment period will be available for consumers who did not have coverage in 2014 but were unaware of the tax penalty.

Under the Affordable Care Act, consumers are required to have health insurance or else pay a penalty, with the penalty increasing in 2015 to two percent of income or $325, whichever is greater. Consumers with income at 100 to 400 percent of the federal poverty level who buy coverage through the federal marketplace may be eligible for subsidies.

According to the media release, Alaskans who “first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the shared responsibility payment in connection when preparing their 2014 taxes” will have the opportunity to avoid the penalty in 2015 by signing up during a special enrollment period between March 15 and April 30.

To qualify for the special enrollment period, consumers must certify that they filed their tax returns and paid the penalty for not having coverage in 2014.

The federal marketplace is a key component of the 2010 ACA, which is significantly increasing the number of Americans with health insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the 20,897 Alaskans who registered through the marketplace before the 2015 enrollment period closed on February 15 is a significant increase over the 12,890 who enrolled last year.

Consumers are encouraged to contact the Alaska Division of Insurance with questions or concerns regarding their health insurance coverage. To talk with a consumer services representative directly call 1-800-467-8725.