Chicago, IL (March 12, 2015) – Ahead of the nation’s health insurance Special Enrollment Period for select taxpayers, GoHealth and H&R Block are positioned to help consumers enroll in affordable health coverage.
Although the 2015 health insurance marketplace Open Enrollment Period ended February 15, some consumers will have a second chance to enroll in health coverage from March 15 to April 30. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and most state-based marketplaces created this Special Enrollment Period specifically for those people who learn they will face a shared responsibility payment – or penalty – for not having qualified health insurance coverage in 2014 when they file their taxes. In fact, data released by H&R Block showed that the average penalty is more than $170.
“For those who remain uninsured, and unaware they will face a penalty, the Special Enrollment Period is a great opportunity to get coverage and avoid paying a penalty next tax season for being without insurance during 2015,” said Mark Ciaramitaro, vice president of enrollment services at H&R Block. “The minimum penalty for not having coverage in 2015 is $325 per adult or 2 percent of household income above their filing requirement, whichever is greater. For a family of four earning $60,000 for example, this could be $975.”
Through their strategic partnership, GoHealth, the nation’s leading online exchange for individuals and families to compare and shop for health insurance, and H&R Block, the world’s largest consumer tax services provider, are equipped to help consumers take advantage of this special opportunity to obtain qualifying health coverage for 2015 and avoid future tax penalties. As part of tax preparation, H&R Block offers a free Affordable Care Act Tax Impact Analysis to help clients determine whether their taxes or refunds are impacted by the ACA. If filers find out for the first time they face the tax penalty for not having insurance, GoHealth can provide free health insurance enrollment assistance, including Advance Premium Tax Credit estimates, and health plan recommendations.
“Many people still do not know they are required by law to enroll in health insurance or that financial help is available to purchase a quality health plan,” says Clint Jones, CEO of GoHealth. “Working with H&R Block, we are able to use this tax-filing season to educate consumers about the Affordable Care Act and connect them with affordable coverage for 2015.”
To schedule an interview with H&R Block or Chicago-based GoHealth, please contact Chris Thatcher at (212)999-5585.
To review health insurance options and enroll in a Marketplace plan, visit GoHealthInsurance.com or call (888) 821-0101.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s largest consumer tax services provider. More than 650 million tax returns have been prepared worldwide by and through H&R Block since 1955. In fiscal 2014, H&R Block had annual revenues over $3.0 billion with 24.2 million tax returns prepared worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block tax software products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom at https://newsroom.hrblock.com/.
