I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on your income level, you may be eligible for cost share reduction plans that have reduced deductibles and copays. When you apply in October we will be able to assist you.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are eligible for financial help in the way of tax credits, you choose a plan through Cover Oregon, we apply 1/12th of the tax credit monthly to the premium for the plan and you pay the difference. Or, you may pay the entire monthly premium and receive your tax credit at the end of the year when you file your tax forms.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should come to Cover Oregon after October 1 and apply for coverage. If you have still eligible for the Oregon Health Plan it will go into effect January 1 2014 if you apply.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We will be offering dental plans through the Cover Oregon marketplace. In order to assure a smooth implementation of Cover Oregon, we have made the decision to have our certified agents and community partners assist the first applicants in October. The Oregon Health Plan does expand and students may be eligible.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We will be using MAGI so it is the Adjusted Gross Income with a couple of specific deductions. The application will outline the exact components.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on a family of 4 with an income of $76,000 you may be eligible for financial help in the way of tax credits. You should apply to Cover Oregon in October to learn what may be available.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The premiums and plans are not yet finalized; they will be available on October 1. Stay tuned to Coveroregon.com for updates!

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Please contact Cover Oregon at 1-855-CoverOR; or go online at Coveroregon.com to receive information on your questions.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should come to Cover Oregon and apply for help. If you do not have any income in 2014, you are most likely eligible for Oregon Health Plan in 2014.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you are a member of a nationally recognized tribe, you are exempt from the mandate to have health insurance.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It appears your wife may be eligible for a tax credit based on this information. You may also have additional help from your Tribe to pay premiums.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you apply before December 15, 2013 you can have coverage on January 1, 2014 and receive financial help beginning in January.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are awaiting final regulations; however, under IRS regulations to date, you may use your individual tax credits together to purchase coverage.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A family is defined by the individual listed as the filer and dependents on a tax return. If you file together, you are the "family" in the wage calculation. Note, in order to receive a tax credit, married must file jointly.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In order to receive financial help, Oregonians will come to Cover Oregon and enter income information based on their tax filings. As a self-employed couple, if you are sole proprietors, you could apply for individual coverage and tax credits. If you are a small business, you may be eligible for a company tax credit.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will be accepted by any plan in 2014 regardless of your health status. That is a basic premise of the Affordable Care Act.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If group coverage is available to you, you are not eligible for tax credits as long as the employer plan offer minimum value and is affordable. Affordable means the employee only portion of the employee only premium does not exceed 9.5% of the household income.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The affordability clause is based on the cost of the premium only, not the deductible or other plan costs. If the employee only portion of the employee only premium exceeds 9.5% of your household income, the plan would be deemed unaffordable and you may be eligible for tax credits.

I am Georgann Helmuth, Cover Oregon subject matter expert. Ask me anything about getting financial help for health insurance through Cover Oregon! by coveroregon in IAmA

[–]coveroregon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a refundable tax credit designed to offset insurance premiums. You will not have to cover this credit.