Press Releases
12/09/2015
Lt. Governor Wyman, Access Health CEO Wadleigh Provide Healthcare Open Enrollment Update
Hartford, Conn. (December 10, 2015) - Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Chair of the Board of Access Health CT (AHCT), and Access Health CT CEO Jim Wadleigh today reminded residents that healthcare open enrollment ends January 31, 2016. More than 700,000 Connecticut residents have used AHCT to get health insurance during the first two years of the Affordable Care Act.
"We have made solid progress over the past few years-people who didn't have health insurance can now afford coverage and are getting the care they need to live productive, healthy lives," said Lt. Governor Wyman. "It's important that consumers are educated-that they choose the right plan, that they verify their incomes to qualify for federal tax credits, and that they file their taxes to keep those credits. AHCT can help answer questions online, on the phone, and at our stores."
AHCT also reported that approximately 2,200 Connecticut customers who are receiving Advanced Premium Tax Credits from the federal government have not yet filed their 2014 tax returns and will lose their federal premium tax credits on January 1, 2016. These consumers received tax credits ranging from $4.00 - $2,000 and are urged to file their 2014 tax returns to reinstate those credits as quickly as possible.
"Over the past two years, AHCT has been encouraging consumers to file their tax returns and verify their income data to ensure that they receive the appropriate subsidy," said AHCT CEO Jim Wadleigh. "Yesterday, the IRS conveyed to us that we do have consumers who will lose their premium tax credits, it's critical that these residents file their federal returns quickly to minimize the time they go without this assistance. We are making calls to consumers and mailing them important information, but we urge them to contact the IRS to check their tax filing status. As always, AHCT customer representatives can help answer questions."
Under the Affordable Care Act, consumers are not eligible for a tax credit if their income is too high or they did not file Form 8962 with their tax return and reconcile their premium tax credits for 2014. The federal government calculates the tax credit annually based on the second lowest-cost silver plan.
All consumers who are new to the marketplace, are not eligible for auto-renewal, or wish to select a different plan from the previous year must select a health care plan by December 15, 2015 in order to begin coverage by January 1, 2016. Customers who enroll in a plan after December 15, 2015 may experience a lapse in coverage of a month or more.
Connecticut residents will only be able to purchase a healthcare plan through Access Health CT after January 31, 2016 if they qualify for a Special Enrollment period for reasons such as a change in existing health care coverage, relocation to Connecticut, or certain other qualifying life events.
More information about the health care plan enrollment process can be found at www.accesshealthct.com or by calling 1-855-805-4325.
Consumers can check their filing status with the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 or going to www.IRS.gov.
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About Access Health CT
Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace, is a quasi-public agency created by the Connecticut legislature in 2011 to satisfy requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act. AHCT's mission is to increase the number of insured residents in Connecticut, promote health, lower costs, and eliminate health disparities. Connecticut residents and small business owners can compare and enroll in health care coverage and apply for tax credits for individuals through AHCT. AHCT (or the Marketplace) also coordinates eligibility and enrollment with state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs. For more information, please visit www.AccessHealthCT.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AccessHealthCT and follow us on Twitter @AccessHealthCT.
For Immediate Release: December 10, 2015
Contact:
Juliet Manalan, Communications Director, Lt. Governor Wyman
860.524.7377
Kathleen Tallarita, Government Affairs, AHCT
860.757.5339
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/@LGWyman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LtGovWyman
Office of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman