Many people not aware of coverage options

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Feb. 15 is the deadline to apply for Marketplace health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act and for tax credits, if applicable, to defray much of the cost.

Access Health Mahoning Valley (AHMV), an organization charged with helping people in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties apply for ACA health care, has enrolled more than 1,200 people in a little more than a year.

However, Bill Adams, director of AHMV, said: “While millions have enrolled in coverage nationwide under the Affordable Care Act, many remain uninsured; and lack of awareness of new coverage options and financial assistance appears to be a major barrier.”

Adams said: “We know there are many people in our area who are still not aware of their coverage options and the tax credits. Also, there are those who may be working at part-time or low-wage jobs who don’t qualify for health insurance through their employer or others who have recently lost coverage due to job loss or benefits cutbacks.”

Premium tax credits are available to reduce the monthly premium for most enrollees. The credits, based on income, can reduce the cost of health insurance by several hundred dollars per month and several thousand dollars per year, Adams said.

Call 330-373-0703 to schedule an appointment with a certified Navigator with Access Health Mahoning Valley or go online at https://connector.getcoveredamerica.org and enter your ZIP code for enrollment locations.

Navigator services, funded through a federal grant administered by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, are free, Adams said.

ValleyCare Health System of Ohio is also offering to help Mahoning Valley residents sign up for health insurance.

“With the enrollment deadline quickly approaching, we want to make sure our community is aware of these events and that if you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty,” hospital officials said.

Under the Affordable Care Act, 2015 is the first year Americans must prove they had qualifying health insurance (or an approved exemption) for the previous year (when filing 2014 taxes), or face a tax penalty.

For 2015, if individuals don’t obtain insurance by Feb. 15, 2015, the last day to of the Open Enrollment period, the penalty will be applied to their annual taxable income for each full month you don’t have health insurance in 2015. The penalty fee is $325 per adult and $162.50 per child, up to $975/family or 2 percent of family income, whichever is higher. Without insurance, individuals will be financially responsible for all of their medical costs, hospital officials said.

ValleyCare’s application counselors not only can assist individuals and their families to evaluate the available health plans, they can determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options.

ValleyCare is hosting several community programs for Mahoning Valley residents to learn more, ask questions and meet with certified counselors to help individuals get signed up for health insurance. They are:

Monday: 4:30 p.m., Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, 8747 Squires Lane, Howland.

Wednesday and Thursday: 4:30 p.m., Northside Medical Center, Politis Auditorium, Medical Office Building A, 500 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.