1/14/19 ~ Community Health Programs insurance enrollment specialists urge area residents who qualify for ACA subsidized health plans to complete their applications by Jan. 23, the deadline for avoiding a tax penalty in Massachusetts.
Despite a recent federal court ruling, the ACA is still the law of the land across the U.S.; the subsidized insurance program remains in place during an appeal period.
Residents are encouraged to visit mahealthconnector.org to begin the application for renewal or for new ACA coverage. Applicants who need assistance with the process are invited to make an appointment with a CHP enrollment counselor in Pittsfield by calling (413) 447-2351, or in Great Barrington, at (413) 528-8580.
Since Nov. 1, 2018, when the 2018-19 Open Enrollment season began nationwide, CHP counselors have assisted 950 people with applications for new insurance and insurance renewals; they have handled more than 1,300 inquiries and requests for assistance.
“Our intense hands-on work with clients includes education and counseling both to preserve enrollment status, and to help clients comply with verification requests by the Health Connector,” said Octavio Hernandez, CHP senior enrollment specialist.
The last payment deadline for initiating 2019 Health Connector coverage is Wednesday, Jan. 23, and payments can be made at https://www.mahealthconnector.org/how-to-pay.