March 26, 2015

Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Health Coverage if 2014 Tax Penalty is Owed


A special enrollment period is open now through April 30 for Maryland residents who owe a tax penalty for not having health coverage in 2014 or were not aware that coverage was required in 2014 and want to obtain health insurance coverage for calendar year 2015.

Residents who enroll from now to April 19 may still owe a tax penalty for the months in 2015 when they did not have health insurance coverage. However, the current special enrollment period is an opportunity to get coverage for the remainder of the year and avoid additional penalty costs.

Residents applying for the special enrollment period must attest that they owe the penalty for lacking health insurance in 2014 or that they became aware of the penalty during the 2014 income tax filing season.

Residents who enroll from now to April 18 will have coverage that begins May 1. They may have to pay a modified annual penalty. Those who enroll from April 19 to April 30 will have coverage that begins June 1. All plans provide coverage through December 31, 2015.


Anyone who is eligible for Medicaid is not affected and can apply for Medicaid at any time.


Additional details in the news release.


Find out where to get in-person sign up help at www.capitalhealthconnection.org/sign-up-locations or call 240-773-8250.