The state health-insurance exchange, Kynect, is reopening enrollment in March and April to allow signups by Kentuckians who discovered that not having health insurance means they have to pay a federal tax penalty.
“We believe that many Kentuckians did not realize those who do not obtain health coverage could face significant penalties when they file their taxes,” Gov. Steve Beshear said in a news release. And given that the personal risks of not having health coverage are even greater than the penalties, we have decided to continue a special enrollment period to allow those individuals more time to sign up.”The penalty for not having health coverage last year is 1 percent of income, or $95 for each adult in the household and $47.50 for each child, whichever is greater. For 2015, the penalty will be 2 percent or $325 for each adult and $167.50 for each child.
"Individuals taking advantage of this special enrollment period will still owe a fee for any months they were uninsured and did not qualify for an exemption in 2014 and 2015," the news release warns. "This special enrollment period is designed to allow such individuals the opportunity to get covered for the remainder of the year and avoid additional fees for 2015."
If your household income is between 100 and 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which makes you eligible for expanded Medicaid, you will still be charged a penalty if you don't sign up. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round, but the special enrollment for private insurance will end April 30.
Visit https://kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4kynect (459-6328) to learn more.