If You Need Health Insurance
By: by the Pennsylvania Health Law Project
Good News!
People who expect to have income that is more than 100% of federal poverty level (FPL) ($11,490 a year for a single person) can get help paying for health insurance through the federal Marketplace.
Most people will qualify for some help. You may also be able to get lower costs on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
How Do I Qualify?
To get health insurance through the Marketplace, a single person must expect to have more than $11,490 of income in 2014. For a family of two, it must be more than $15,510.
You will need to file a tax return for 2014.
Even if you don’t expect to have this much, you may be able to qualify if someone else claims you as a tax dependent.
Where can I go for help?
Call the ACA navigator, Resources for Human Development, at 855-668-9536. They can help you apply for insurance and answer any questions.
You can also go online at www.healthcare.gov.
What if I make a mistake about my income?
If you make a mistake about your income for 2014 and you earn less than the income limit, you will not have to pay any money back.
If you make a mistake and earn more than you planned, you may have to pay some money back when you file your taxes.
What if I don’t think my income will be more than $11,490?
If your income will be less than $11,490, you do not qualify to buy insurance through the Marketplace. You may qualify for Medicaid if you have very low-income and are a parent of a child under 21. You may also qualify if you have a disability. Or you may be in a “coverage gap” and not qualify for Medicaid or the Marketplace plans.
Medicaid has not been expanded in Pennsylvania. Most able-bodied adults still do not qualify. Governor Corbett has a plan to expand Medicaid. The plan has not been approved by the federal government. If the plan is approved, it starts in 2015.
February 6, 2014