Insurance Marketplace deadline nears for February coverage

 

Consumers have until Jan. 15 to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace in time to begin February coverage, and Care Connection for Aging Services can help.

care Connection has licensed navigators serving this community who can help people of all ages understand the Health Insurance Marketplace coverage, sometimes called Obamacare. Certified counselors will work with people to:

• Register in the online Marketplace.
• Compare health plans that are available in Missouri.
• Price coverage.
• Determine whether they would qualify for income tax credits based upon their incomes, and
• Understand benefits.

Care Connection provides impartial information and services free to consumers. The agency does not endorse or sell any particular policies. While the 2016 open enrollment period ends Jan. 31, consumers have until Jan. 15 to enroll for February coverage.

The Affordable Care Act requires most Americans to carry some type of health insurance – employer-provided group coverage, private individual insurance, a Marketplace policy, Medicare, or Medicaid. People who do not sign up for coverage in 2016 could face a tax penalty of 2.5 percent of their household income or $695 per adult and $347.50 per child younger than 18 – whichever is greater.

Care Connection’s navigators serve 13 counties – Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Henry, Hickory, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Saline, St. Clair, and Vernon. People may call 1-800-748-7826 for an appointment or more information. Care Connection is an area agency on aging with a mission to provide resources and services that empower people to create healthy aging experiences.