AVOID PENALTY: LOCAL HOSPITALS OFFERING FREE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
Lake Wales, FL – Uninsured Americans who have not signed up for health insurance through the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace still have time—but two important deadlines are fast approaching.
A plan must be selected and the premium paid by January 15to obtain coverage by February 1; for coverage effective March 1, the plan and premium must be finalized by January 31.
Lake Wales Medical Center and Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center both offer free application assistance to help people evaluate insurance options on the Marketplace and complete their application forms.
Increased penalties for 2016 are driving many people to the Marketplace. Fines are $695 per adult, $347.50 per child, and up to $2,085 per family, or 2.5% of family income, whichever is higher.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the majority of people buying insurance on the Marketplace qualify for financial assistance; most are expected to pay less than $75 per month.
The certified assistors at Heart of Florida and Lake Wales Medical Center are encouraging those needing help to reserve appointments early, as schedules typically book quickly this month.
To book an appointment with a certified application assistor at Heart of Florida, call 863-419-1506. To schedule with a certified application assistor at Lake Wales Medical Center, call 863-678-2734.
