PRESQUE ISLE and HOULTON, Maine — Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. (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 applicants enroll in coverage through the Marketplace.
Open enrollment for the coming year is ongoing now through Jan. 31, 2017. Those who do not apply for coverage by that date will have to wait until the next open enrollment period. Those who are already enrolled through the Marketplace but wish to change plans will need to act by Dec. 15 for coverage to start Jan. 1, 2017.
“Health insurance plans in the Marketplace can be very affordable,” said Dawn Roberts, health care navigator/ community education specialist at ACAP’s Presque Isle office. “A family of two can make up to $64,080 and still receive a premium tax credit to help pay insurance premiums.
“ACAP is not affiliated with any insurance company so we provide fair and unbiased advice,” said Roberts. “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.”
Individuals who do not have qualifying health coverage in 2017 will need to pay a fee. The fee for not having coverage in 2017 is $695 per adult, up to $2085 or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is higher.
For information about the Health Insurance Marketplace or for assistance, call the Houlton office of ACAP at 532-5300, or contact Roberts at droberts@acap-me.org.
