New Jersey: - The deadline to get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace is only a few days away. But it is not too late! If you or someone you know are looking for affordable health insurance, there is still time. Here are some basics to get you started:
What is the Marketplace?
The Marketplace provides an easy way to get health insurance that works for you and your family. You can look at different health plans, compare monthly costs and enroll in the plan you want. Open enrollment ends on March 31, 2014, however, if you have started an application you will be allowed to complete enrollment past that date. Contact us at ceed-usa@unitedsikhs.org for more information.
Can I get health insurance in the Marketplace?
The Marketplace is open to nearly everyone, including U.S. citizens and people with different immigration and residency statuses. Undocumented immigrants cannot get insurance in the Marketplace. Even if you are not eligible to purchase insurance through the Marketplace, you can apply for your children or other family members who might be eligible.
What do I need for the Marketplace Application?
- Social Security numbers.
- Document numbers (for all legal immigrants)
- Income information for all earning members of the household (this can include W-2 forms, pay-stubs, tax returns etc)
- Previous or Current insurance information for all members who have insurance.
How can I apply?
There are many ways to apply:
- You can enroll online at www.healthcare.gov
- You can enroll by mail. The paper application is available at: www.healthcare.gov
- You can enroll by phone 1-800-318-2596
- If you need in-person assistance, contact UNITED SIKHS at 718-441-6644 or find local assistance at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov.
Can I get assistance in Punjabi?
UNITED SIKHS is running enrollment sessions in Central NJ but there are only a few slots left! Contact us at ceed-usa@unitedsikhs.org to set an appointment.
What if I don’t have health coverage?
If you do not have health coverage in 2014, you will be subject to a penalty. In addition you may be responsible for all of your health bills. According to healthcare.gov, the penalty in 2014 is calculated one of 2 ways. You’ll pay whichever of these amounts is higher: 1% of your yearly household income (capped to the average national price of a bronze plan), or $95 per person for the year ($47.50 per child under 18, the maximum penalty per family using this method is $285.)
UNITED SIKHS is part of Action for Health Justice, a coalition of more than 70 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander national and local community-based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers dedicated to educating, empowering and enrolling AAs and NHPIs in health coverage.
For more information about enrollment assistance, Action for Health Justice or UNITED SIKHS Community Education and Empowerment programs, please contact us at ceed-usa@unitedsikhs.org.
Issued By:
Rucha Kavathe, PhD
Community Education & Empowerment Directorate
ceed-usa@unitedsikhs.org