Porter Regional Hospital Seeks to Enroll Uninsured Community Members

Porter-New-Hospital-Coming-SoonIf you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty. Under the Affordable Care Act, 2015 is the first year Americans must prove they had qualifying health insurance (or an approved exemption) for the previous year (when filing 2014 taxes), or face a tax penalty.

For 2015, if you don’t obtain insurance by February 15, 2015, the last day to of the Open Enrollment period, the penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each full month you don't have health insurance in 2015. The penalty fee is $325 per adult, $162.50 per child – up to $975/family or 2% of family income, whichever is higher. And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs.

The federal government can assist some individuals and families with their premium costs by providing subsidies to those who qualify based on their income. Application counselors at Porter can assist individuals and families in helping to evaluate their health plan options as well as determine whether they qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Qualified health plans cover many preventive care screenings, tests and services such as vaccinations, at no cost to the consumer. In addition, for women, many preventive care screenings, tests and supplies that help with family planning and pregnancy are now covered.

The enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace ends February 15. To make an appointment for enrollment help with a Porter application counselor, call 219-983-8839.

Porter Health Care System has two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities serving Porter, Lake, LaPorte, Starke, Newton, Marshall and Jasper counties. With more than 350 physicians representing 50 medical specialties on the medical staff, Porter Health Care System is committed to medical excellence and personalized, patient-centered care.