PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) still has appointments available for the 2017 open enrollment for Marketplace insurance; however, the deadline is quickly approaching. For most people, the last day to enroll in a 2017 Marketplace plan is Jan. 31 to get coverage for 2017 and avoid a penalty for not being insured.
“Health insurance plans in the Marketplace can be very affordable,” explained Andy Michalka, ACAP navigator and Helping Hands case manager. “A family of two can make up to $64,080 and still receive a premium tax credit to help pay insurance premiums. Over 37,000 Maine residents took advantage and enrolled in a plan during the first six weeks of open enrollment.”
ACAP is part of the Community Action Navigator Consortium and is a partner in a statewide network of certified Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators. Navigators can provide free in-person assistance to help consumers apply for and enroll in coverage through the marketplace.
“ACAP is not affiliated with any insurance company, so we provide fair and unbiased advice,” said Michalka. “Navigators can help you access programs that could lower your monthly health premiums and out-of pocket costs and understand the options available to you. Your private information is protected and we will never share it with anybody.
“If you don’t have qualifying health coverage in 2017, you will need to pay a fee. The fee for not having coverage in 2017 is $695 per adult up to $2,085 or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is higher,” he said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Michalka at (207) 764-3721 or e-mail him at HH@acap-me.org.
