The end of open enrollment for MarketPlace health insurance is fast approaching on January 31st, and January 15th is the last day to sign up for a health insurance plan that is effective February 1st
The Project of the Quad Cities (TPQC), one of 10 organizations in Illinois to receive the Get Covered Illinois Grant will be providing free In-Person Counseling for Marketplace health insurance at the Carl Sandburg Mall on January 15th from 9:00am until 5:00pm in the center court.
In-Person Counselors, also known as Navigators, are trained to provide help to consumers, small business and employees in exploring their health insurance options, as well as educate consumers about complex insurance terminology and help them to complete eligibility and enrollment forms.
Open Enrollment began November 1st, 2015 and ends January 31st, 2016. To have health coverage that is effective on February 1st, individuals must sign up by January 15th. To help people get enrolled by January 31st Counselors will be at the following additional locations:
Carl Sandburg Mall
1150 W Carl Sandburg Dr #1A, Galesburg
Sat. 1/9– 10:00am to 2:00 pm
Fri. 1/15– 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sat. 1/23– 10:00am to 2:00pm
Macomb Library
235 S Lafayette St, Macomb
Fri. 1/16– 10:00am to 2:00pm
Fri. 1/22– 10:00am to 2:00pm
Fri. 1/29– 10:00am to 2:00pm
Galesburg Library
40 E Simmons St, Galesburg
Tues. 1/11- 10:00am to 2:00 pm
Th. 1/14- 3:00pm to 6:00 pm
Tues. 1/18- 10:00am to 2:00 pm
Th. 1/213:00pm to 6:00 pm
Tues. 1/25- 10:00am to 2:00 pm
Th. 1/28- 3:00pm to 6:00 pm
If you miss the January 31, 2016 deadline you will be unable to purchase health insurance, on the Marketplace, until the next open enrollment period. You may, however, qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, having a baby or getting married.
It is important to note that the fee for not having health coverage will increase for 2016 to 2.5% of your yearly household income or $695 per person ($347.50 per child under 18), whichever is greater. The maximum penalty per family is $2,085. Penalties will be applied to 2017 tax returns. If you have any questions or need help exploring your health insurance options, please call (309)762-5433 or visit www.GetCovered.Illinois.gov.
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