HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Officials at the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Washington, D.C. have notified Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) that consumers, who did not sign up for health insurance coverage during the enrollment period just completed, will have a second opportunity to do so.
Jan Potter, Patient Navigator for HRMC, said consumers, who were unaware of the deadline or didn’t understand the possible tax consequences for not signing up for coverage, may do so March 15-April 30.
“This year, for the first time, Americans will be asked to provide proof of health insurance coverage when they file their income tax returns,” Potter said. “Those without coverage may be required to pay a special fee.”
“In a vast majority of situations, taxpayers can prove their coverage by checking a box on a tax form stating they were covered through their place of employment, Medicare, Medicaid, or veteran’s coverage,” Potter continued. “Those who are not exempted from coverage and have not obtained health insurance will be assessed a fee of $95 or one percent of their income, whichever is greater, when they file their 2015 income tax returns.”
Looking ahead to the 2016 income tax filing season, Potter said the penalty for failure to obtain health insurance increases to $315 per adult or two percent of the taxpayer’s income, whichever is greater.
Potter maintains an office at the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center near the main entrance and adjacent to the admissions desk. She is available to assist consumers 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. All services provided by Potter and her staff are without charge to the public. Also, Potter can be contacted by telephone at 620-513-3177.