Apply or Renew Your Health Insurance by December 15
If you have not yet enrolled in health insurance, or have not yet renewed your health insurance plan, now is not too late. Enroll or renew by December 15.
Why you should enroll:
Healthcare costs are high, but if you are a legal immigrant in the United States, and meet certain criteria, you can qualify for subsidized health insurance. All health insurance plans cover emergency care, pregnancy care, mental health services, prescription drugs, preventative care, and dental and vision care for children, among other essentials.
You must be covered by health insurance. If you are not enrolled in health insurance, you will pay a penalty of 2.5% of your income, or more, deducted from your taxes. The maximum penalty was $2,085 in 2016.
Why you should renew:
Not all plans will renew automatically. Renew your Marketplace, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or other coverage type plan by December 15 to make sure you have coverage on January 1.
Even if your plan renews automatically, by renewing and updating your information, you may receive more cost assistance and can see other plans that may better meet your needs.
Important Marketplace Health Insurance Dates
Apply and Enroll Coverage Starts
11/1/16 – 12/15/16 1/1/2017
12/15/16 – 1/15/16 2/1/2017
1/16/17 – 1/31/17 3/1/2017
1/31/17 is the last day to enroll in or change a 2017 Marketplace health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events such as: losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.
People who qualify for Medicaid or CHIP can enroll anytime during the year.
PCDC is here to help.
If you have any questions or would like assistance applying or renewing your health insurance, please call 215-922-2156 to schedule a free appointment with our bilingual English-Chinese staff.