The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have a special enrollment period for those who did not have health coverage in 2014 and are subject to the fee when they file their 2014 taxes in states that use the federally-facilitated marketplaces.
This special enrollment period will allow those who were unaware, or didn't understand the implications, of the requirement to enroll in health insurance coverage through the federal marketplace to not be fined.
CMS will provide consumers with an opportunity to purchase health insurance coverage from March 15 to April 30. If consumers do not purchase coverage for 2015 during this special enrollment period, they may have to pay the fine when they file their 2015 income taxes.
To be eligible for the special enrollment period, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Live in a state with a federally-facilitated marketplace.
• Currently are not enrolled in coverage through the federal marketplace for 2015.
• Attest that when they filed their 2014 tax return they paid the fee for not having health coverage in 2014.
• Attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the fee after the end of open enrollment (Feb. 15, 2015) in connection with preparing their 2014 taxes.
This year's tax season is the first time individuals and families will be asked to provide basic information regarding their health coverage on their tax returns. Individuals who could not afford coverage or met other conditions may be eligible to receive an exemption for 2014. To help consumers who did not have insurance last year determine if they qualify for an exemption, CMS launched a health coverage tax exemption tool on HealthCare.gov and CuidadodeSalud.gov.
Americans who do not qualify for an exemption will have to pay $95 per adult or 1 percent of their income, whichever is greater, when they file their taxes this year. The fee increases to $325 per adult or 2 percent of income for 2015. Individuals taking advantage of this special enrollment period will still owe a fee for the months they were uninsured and did not receive an exemption in 2014 and 2015.
If consumers have questions about their taxes, need to download forms, or want to learn more about the fee for not having insurance, they can find information and resources at HealthCare.gov/Taxes or IRS.gov. Consumers can also call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. Consumers who need assistance filing their taxes can visit IRS.gov/VITA or IRS.gov/freefile.
Consumers seeking to take advantage of the special enrollment period can find out if they are eligible by visiting www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage. Consumers can find local help at: Localhelp.healthcare.gov or call the federally-facilitated marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.