St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants – November 2015

If you don’t get health insurance coverage through your employer, union or a government-funded health plan, like Medicare, you can choose an affordable insurance plan on HealthCare.gov that covers everything from doctor and hospital visits to maternity care and prescription drugs. You cannot be denied coverage if you have a pre-existing condition.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also includes a requirement known as the individual mandate. Most Americans are required to have health insurance or pay a penalty for noncompliance. For tax year 2016, the fine will be $695 (per adult) or 2.5% of taxable income, whichever is greater.

Depending on your income level and household size, you may qualify for subsidies and/or income tax credits.

Please share this announcement with your uninsured friends.

Do you understand how the HealthCare.gov works? During this workshop our presenters will:
• Explain the Affordable Care Act’s rights, protections and requirements, including the individual mandate.
• Provide important information for freelancers and the self-employed.
• Define confusing health insurance terminology.
• Provide strategies for selecting a plan and acquiring quality and affordable health care coverage, including tax credits and subsidies.
• Answer your questions!

This workshop is FREE and open to artists of all disciplines. Guests are welcome. Please register in advance here.

Get unbiased in-person guidance from trained certified application counselors. The one-on-one sessions for Missouri residents will demystify the enrollment process. See if you qualify for subsidies. Compare plan prices and coverage details. Get covered.

Renewing coverage? Most people will be able to renew coverage purchased on HealthCare.gov without filing an application or going back to the website. But if your income has changed or you’d like to shop for a better deal or a different plan, we encourage you to make an appointment.

Appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis, and reservations are required. Please contact us (include your date preference and phone number) to make an appointment.

At the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar
December 9, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
December 12, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that it was up to individual states to determine whether or not to expand their Medicaid programs. Missouri is among the states that have declined to expand coverage. This means that an adult making less than $11,670 annually have to pay full price for insurance on HealthCare.gov, which is clearly unreasonable. The gap leaves Missouri’s poorest residents — more than 200,000 people — without an affordable coverage option.

If you are in this low-income group, note that you will not pay a penalty for not being covered. And you may be able to obtain access to health care by contacting Gateway to Better Health, a program for uninsured adults in St. Louis City and County. Eligible individuals are between the ages of 19 and 64 and earn up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Since the federally-funded program was launched in 2012, it has paid many primary and specialty care visits as well as medications.