It's not too late to obtain 2015 health insurance
Many uninsured or under-insured North Carolinians can still sign up for health coverage, even though the open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act ended in February.
Posted — UpdatedUnder federal law, most people are required to have health insurance or pay a tax penalty. Anyone who is facing the penalty for not having coverage in 2014 or who has already filed their 2014 income tax return and paid the penalty can still enroll for 2015 coverage until April 30.
Choosing a plan from the HealthCare.gov online marketplace doesn't eliminate the 2014 penalty but will reduce the fine someone would face for being uninsured in 2015.
The tax penalty for being uninsured in 2015 is 2 percent of yearly household income or $325 per person, whichever is higher. The maximum penalty per family is $975.
People also can qualify for special enrollment if they experience certain life changes, such as losing coverage, getting married, having a baby or becoming a citizen. Late enrollees also remain eligible for federal subsidies to lower their premiums.
More than 560,000 North Carolinians signed up for 2015 coverage during open enrollment, and 92 percent of them qualified for financial help.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
