Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, will end on March 31. Those who are uninsured could face a fine of $95 or one percent of their taxable income, when they file taxes in 2015. The fine will increase to $325 or two percent in the second year if they remain uninsured.
The United Way are available to help students enroll in the program and find insurance plans they can afford.
“There are subsidies out there that can help make insurance affordable,” says Navigator Sandra Carpio of the United Way. “The process isn’t too difficult once you get started.”
In the state of Utah, navigators are trained and licensed to provide help with the application process. Though they cannot provide help with the actual choice of insurance, they can help explain the different insurance plans.
About 90 percent of those who are uninsured will qualify for a discount on premiums or even free coverage.
“There are options out there where you may be paying $0 with the available subsidies,” says Carpio. “It’s a lot more helpful if you have someone who can help you.”
There will be an information session with Health and Wellness Services and the United Way on Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus in the Student Event Center.
The United Way can also be found in front of the Grand Theatre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. to answer questions.
