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WILKES-BARRE — Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller recently reminded consumers that open enrollment for 2017 health-insurance coverage available through the Affordable Care Act is underway and encouraged consumers to explore options for health-insurance coverage through the federal marketplace at www.Healthcare.gov.
“While newly elected officials in Washington have stated they may repeal the Affordable Care Act in the future, there is currently no plan in place to alter our existing health-care system,” Miller said in an emailed news release. “Though potential changes may be coming, enrolling now will help ensure the health of you and your family is protected in the short and long term.”
Health-insurance plans for 2017 can be purchased online. Plans sold on the federal marketplace meet the coverage standards and consumer protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act, which include coverage for pre-existing conditions, free preventive care, and coverage for other essential health benefits.
Consumers purchasing from the federal marketplace may be eligible for financial assistance to pay premiums and, in some cases, other out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays and deductibles.
This year, 78 percent of Pennsylvanians who purchased insurance through the federal marketplace received subsidies to lower monthly premium costs. The federal Department of Health and Human Services estimates that for 2017, about 75 percent of returning marketplace policyholders will be able to find a plan for less than $100 per month after receiving a subsidy. However, consumers need to be aware that financial assistance is available only if you purchase an ACA-compliant plan from the federal marketplace.
Affordable Care Act-compliant health-insurance plans also are sold off the federal marketplace. While these plans are not eligible for financial assistance, they might be less expensive than some on-marketplace options and still provide the same coverage and protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
For consumers with incomes too high to qualify for subsidies, these off-marketplace plans, sold by agents or directly by companies, might be a more affordable option in some areas of the state. However, Miller urged consumers to do research and understand what they are purchasing when shopping off-marketplace. In some cases, plans sold off-marketplace might offer a more limited scope of benefits and might not be ACA-compliant.
Coverage purchased on or before Dec. 15 will take effect Jan. 1; however, consumers whose 2016 plans will be discontinued in 2017 have until Dec. 31 to select a plan other than the new option they were assigned to for coverage.
Help is available for consumers who need assistance understanding their options. Licensed insurance agents are able to help you find the best plan for your needs, and navigators are available at no cost to help you understand your options.
For more information on health insurance or to contact the Insurance Department’s Bureau of Consumer Services, visit www.insurance.pa.gov or call 1-877-881-6388.
Talk with family members
about property tax/rent rebates
Family visits during the holiday season provide a great opportunity to remind older family members and friends about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, one of the Pennsylvania Lottery’s key benefit programs for older adults.
The Department of Revenue extended this year’s application deadline to Dec. 31, the date by which applications must be postmarked. The program provides rebates of up to $975 on property tax or rent paid during 2015. It costs nothing to apply for a rebate.
Secretary of Revenue Eileen McNulty said the program helps more than half-a-million Pennsylvanians save money.
Applications and free filing help are available at hundreds of locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and state legislators’ offices. Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and information also are available online at www.revenue.pa.gov and by calling 1-888-222-9190, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Last year, more than 565,000 households received more than $269 million in rebates. So far this year, more than 566,000 households have applied for rebates.
As of mid-November, rebates totaling $257.1 million have been sent to more than 540,000 homeowners and renters.
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters.
