Individuals who don’t have health insurance should make themselves aware that it’s time for 2018 Open Enrollment if they hope to be covered by an eligible medical coverage plan for the new year. Sackett & Associates Insurance Services is here to help you find the perfect plan for your personal needs and to make sure you have all the info you need to make the best choice regarding your healthcare coverage needs. ​

Finding the right health insurance for you and your family can be a challenge. With the 2018 open enrollment season coming up, it's important to take the time now to review all your options for insurance coverage so you're ready to make the best choice during the enrollment window. This thorough guide helps you understand your health insurance options, including Covered CA, that is available under the Affordable Care Act parameters.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constantly in the headlines and that trend is likely to continue. As many Americans question the future of health insurance in America, it is important to understand how many people enrolled in ACA health insurance and how many people might be affected by any changes to it.

Every year brings changes and updates to the healthcare industry, particularly in the area of health insurance coverage. The change of political ideologies ushered in by this past general election has guaranteed that 2017’s updates will be massive. Exactly how will these changes affect you? That depends largely on your place within the market. 

How Might Your Coverage be Affected? 
If you’re one of the many that has signed up for Affordable Care Act health insurance, then you undoubtedly felt at least a slight bit of trepidation as the results came in on November 8th. To a certain extent, your fears may have been well-founded; ever since the election, calls have been made by both the incoming administration and the House to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a less-costly alternative. Sure enough, the Senate OK’d a budget resolution in the early morning on January 12th that, in essence, paved the way for Congress to begin the repeal by rolling back major parts of the healthcare law through a budget reconciliation process. The measure was approved by the House on the following day. 
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However, a repeal does not mean that you will automatically lose your Affordable Care Act health insurance. Most industry experts and commentators agree that whatever alternative is put in place will almost certainly contain a grandfather clause that will allow you to continue to remain with whatever plan you are currently enrolled in. Yet changes could be on the horizon in regards to your premiums. The Affordable Care Act reinsurance program (which diverted money to individual market plans to help absorb the financial losses insurers suffered from having to take on high-risk/high-cost enrollees) expired at the end of last year. This could signal a potential rise in premiums as the financial burden of continuing coverage for high-risk plan members now falls back to insurers. 

What to Do to Combat Potentially Rising Rates
This phasing out of the Affordable Care Act reinsurance program (along with the now-anticipated repeal of the law altogether) will almost certainly impact you if you are a small business providing group health plan coverage. You can expect rates on group health plans to rise for two reasons: Insurers will now look for new ways to recoup the costs of supporting those who enrolled in previous years, and fewer options will be available to consumers as Affordable Care Act health insurance plans go away. 

Yet even with the decreased availability of Affordable Care Act health insurance coverage, there may be a way to contain your insurance costs regardless of whether you’re a individual or employer offering health insurance as a benefit. User-directed high-deductible plans offer coverage with lower premiums. The trade-off is higher out-of-pocket costs if you or your employers need care, yet even these can be offset through health savings accounts. For more information on how to deal with the impending changes related to the Affordable Care Act, contact us at (707) 823-3689, or Like us on Facebook, find us on Google+, and subscribe to our blog.

Across the country insurance rates for healthcare are increasing. This is not a phenomenon limited to California. Most states are seeing higher costs for healthcare premiums. Healthcare insurance is one of the most important tools in maintaining your health. Every American is now required to be covered, whether you’re a student, unemployed or retired. We can help you during open enrollment to find the product that fits your needs in the Covered California marketplace. 

Reasons Health Insurance Rates Are Rising 

There are protections for consumers to prevent insurers from raising rates each year. The state and/or federal government has to approve the increases. Still, that hasn’t prevented the insurance company from asking for relief. The reasons are many, but the key reason for the substantial increase seen this year is that consumers who signed up for insurance were sicker than the companies realized. Here are some of the other reasons rates are on the rise. 

• The costs of healthcare is on the rise. Rates might not be growing as fast as they have in the past, but they still are going up. More specialty prescription drugs are coming to the market, which makes the costs of medications rise. The overall cost to operate a health care facility or office increases just like any other business. 
• Insurers understand the risk pool much better than they did at the beginning of the ACA. In previous years, the premiums were set too low to cover the costs, but insurance companies have learned from that experience. 
• Insurance companies must spend 80 percent of your premiums on your healthcare needs. When spending more than 80 percent of the premiums on healthcare, insurance companies learned this was not sustainable for business operations. 

What to Do if Your Insurance Rates Increased 

If you’re like many Californians, you may have gotten a letter advising you that your insurance rates will increase up to 30 percent next year. You do have options. You could switch health insurance plans and carriers, or find out if you qualify for a subsidy. The deadline is January 31, 2017. If you don’t have a plan in place before that date, you have to wait until next year for coverage. In addition, you will face penalties up to $695 or 2.5% of your household income for not having insurance. Don’t let that happen. 

One of the best things to do is call a certified covered California health insurance broker, like Sackett & Associates Insurance Services. Reach our office by calling (707) 823-3689 to let us help you find the health insurance you need through Covered California during open enrollment. Take preventative steps for your health by having insurance to cover your costs. 

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This year’s election shook up the country. Many people are concerned about health insurance through Covered California thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While it is true that many of America’s leaders have threatened to eliminate the ACA, campaign rhetoric and candidate promises are  often much different than what actually happens after election results. For Congress to act and implement any new plans could take years. 

We want to inform you about the future of ACA and Covered California as we get information. Here is some of the information received by Covered California sent to insurance brokers to explain what’s happening: 

 Consumers Need to Know Their Options 

Open enrollment is the time when consumers can get health coverage. The deadline is January 31, 2017. Covered California will be providing messages to consumers about their options throughout this important time. Health insurance brokers should reassure consumers that: 

• Covered California is open for business and happy to help you enroll or renew. 
• Your Covered California coverage is not in jeopardy. We encourage you to renew into your existing plan or shop for a new plan that best fits you and your family. Don’t risk a financial burden in 2017 by not enrolling.
• Covered California does not rely on federal money or funding. Our exchange is state-run and self-sustainable. 
• Your financial assistance (subsidies, APTC/CSR, small business tax credits) are protected under the law.
• Your coverage will remain intact for 2017 and the foreseeable future.

Health Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult 

We understand that people who don’t speak “insurance” may have a hard time understanding which plans fit their needs. Our office is committed to helping you comprehend what’s available on the exchange for you and your family. We have group plans and individual plans that give you peace of mind. 

For more information on open enrollment and for all of your health insurance needs, contact Sackett & Associates, your health insurance experts in Sonoma County, California.  Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our blog to keep up-to-date on what’s happening in the insurance market.

It’s that time of year again: open enrollment for your health insurance plan. Between November 1, 2016 and January 31, 2017, you and other California residents will have the opportunity to choose a health insurance plan that works best for you and your family. Sackett & Associates Insurance Services is happy to help you make this very important decision. We will work with you to determine your needs, wants and budget to make sure you get a plan that fulfills your desires and provides you with the security net that you expect.

Making the Choice
Choosing your health plan and related insurance is not a decision to be taken lightly. To be sure you receive the best plans possible, you should always enlist the guidance of a Certified Covered California Agent. With the help of an experienced agent, you can avoid paying extra for coverage you don’t need, be certain that you comply with existing regulations and avoid any penalties for not obtaining coverage. Even if your employer offers insurance, if it is deemed inadequate California law may allow you to buy coverage in Covered California’s Individual Marketplace and provides for a tax credit or subsidy to help make the coverage more affordable. With these provisions in place, we know that everyone can enjoy the opportunity to choose a plan that fits their needs and their budget.

Legal Requirements
Like the rest of the US, California residents have been legally required to purchase health insurance since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. If you or your family fail to prove you have health insurance, you may be fined penalties that are based on your household adjusted gross income or family size. In 2017 penalties will be $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, up to a maximum of $2,085 or 2.5% of the household adjusted gross income, whichever amount is greater. These penalties can be significant for many families. It is important that you take the opportunity to choose an affordable plan that can help reduce the financial burden this penalty could have on you and your family.
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Let Us Help
​At Sackett & Associates Insurance Services, we have made it our priority to help clients find the best health insurance solutions available. This means we don’t rest until we find a plan that fits your needs. Let us do what we do best on your behalf, and help you find the best plan possible. Find us on Google and subscribe to our blog for more updates on how we can help you save on all your  health insurance needs.

At Sackett Insurance Services, we understand that health insurance is an incredibly important and personal matter. For many of our clients, having a plan that fits their needs feels like having a safety net follow them through their daily lives. We want everyone to feel the same level of security at all times, so we often encourage our clients to reevaluate their health insurance plans during open enrollment every year. Only after comparing plans and prices can you be sure you have the coverage you need at the best possible price.

Automatic Enrollment
Many insurance companies offer automatic enrollment. This is a great option for some people, but could be detrimental to others. When companies automatically enroll you in a plan, they may give you the same plan you had in 2016, or they may give you a similar plan if your current plan is being discontinued or phased out. This means you are not automatically guaranteed you will receive the plan you had. Keep surprises to a minimum by having your health insurance broker look at your plan and determine if it still works for you.

Life Changes
Have you had any life changes in the past year? When births, deaths, adoptions, marriages, new jobs and other significant life events occur, you should always seek the advice of a Certified Covered California Agent. They can help you learn whether you should simply add someone to your existing plan during open enrollment or whether switching to an entirely different plan may be the better option. Each event can have a big impact on cost, deductibles and other important considerations, so it is always best to learn how these issues will affect you and what you can do to keep your out-of-pocket expenses manageable without compromising care.

Medical Considerations
Plans on Covered California are ranked in multiple tiers, or coverage levels. If you or a family member are diagnosed with a medical condition during the year, it may be to your benefit to switch tiers and obtain insurance that provides more complete or affordable coverage. For example, you may decide you want a lower deductible, or a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs. Because California law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions in many circumstances, you may still find great coverage, even if you switch plans.

Situations and needs change. At Sackett & Associates Insurance Services, we can help you find the right fit for you and your family so you know you are covered no matter what. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

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Summer is winding down, the kids are back in school, and it’s that time of year again: open enrollment for your 2017 health coverage. The period officially begins on November 1, 2016 and will extent until January 31, 2017. Whenever you're ready to review your health insurance policy and plan, Sackett & Associates is here to help you understand which option is right for you.

Choosing the Right Plan

With few exceptions, every American must have health insurance, whether you're between jobs, unemployed, a student, self-employed, or an early retiree. During open enrollment, you can shop for a health insurance policy that meets your needs, obtain prices for various policies, and enroll in the plan of your choice. If you're on a limited budget, you may be concerned about healthcare costs. Depending on your family size and annual household income level, federal financial assistance can help reduce the health insurance costs for those who qualify. 

​Open enrollment is the time for you to shop for the right health insurance plan that meets your needs and budget. 

Paying Attention to the Deadline

Make sure to sign up for a health insurance plan before January 31, 2017. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the next period to get coverage. You can also be charged annual penalties for not having health insurance coverage.

For more information on the open enrollment deadlines and for all of your health insurance needs, contact Sackett & Associates, your health insurance experts in Sonoma County, California.  ​

No matter how you feel about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it’s in your best interests to at least understand how it works as well as how any subsidy you received through the ACA works. Knowledge is most certainly power, and it could be just the thing to keep you out of financial hot water. Sackett & Associates Insurance Services wants you to know how changes in your income or family size impact your taxes and subsidy. 

Subsidies 

The first thing you should understand about a tax subsidy is that it’s essentially an advance that’s applied to your health care coverage premiums. The amount of the subsidy you receive is determined by the income estimate and family description you noted on your Health Insurance Marketplace application. If you overestimated how much of a subsidy you would need, you’ll have to pay back the extra amount. If you underestimated, you’ll receive the difference in the form of a refundable credit after filing your income tax return. 

Keep in Touch 

To avoid cutting the IRS a check when tax season rolls around, it’s best that you keep your health insurance broker in the loop on any changes to your income or your family as soon as you’re aware of them. This way, the Health Insurance Marketplace can make the necessary changes to your information and adjust your subsidy accordingly. Not only should you tell your broker if your income or family size changes, you should also inform her or him if you get a job-based insurance plan starting or if you become eligible for Medicare coverage. Just make sure you’re clear about whether you’ll have to pay a penalty for not having coverage.

The California health insurance experts of Sackett & Associates Insurance Services are readily available to answer any questions you might have about the Affordable Care Act and health, vision, dental and live coverage plans. Call us at 707-823-3689, like us on Facebook and feel free to subscribe to our blog for trusted health insurance information. ​

With ever-changing healthcare laws, it can be difficult to keep track of where you stand in regards to income-based discounts on premium prices and coverage options. A 1095-A form is used to show you what portion of your insurance coverage was paid by Covered California during the previous year.

This amount was determined by the household and financial information you provided during enrollment, but the government understands that these figures can fluctuate during the coverage period.

Why Do I Need This?

At the beginning of each year, this form will be mailed out to enrollees of the Affordable Care Act be inform them of the subsidies that were paid to health insurance providers on their behalf. That amount will need to adjusted if your income or dependent situation had any changes throughout the year, so a 1095-A form can help you determine if you paid too little or too much on your health insurance premiums for the previous year.

What Do I Do With This?

As you prepare your taxes, you’ll be able to use this form to determine how much you’ll need to pay in taxes or receive back in the form of a refund. If you had changes to your situation, those adjustments can be satisfied through your end-of-year tax accounting. File your 1095-A form with your W-2 or other income forms and use it to fill out IRS Form 8962 before the season deadline. If you need assistance filling out the tax forms, contact a professional tax preparer to complete the filing or guide you as you submit the information. If you qualify, you may be able to obtain free assistance at www.irs.gov/freefile.  If you feel that the amount paid or owed is incorrect, or if you have any other questions regarding your health insurance subsidy, contact Sackett Insurance Services at 707-823-3869.

If your in need a of health insurance plan for 2016, don’t try to wade through all those complicated tax credit documents yourself or start sending out your information for every free quote available. Instead, avoid all that hassle and work with a professional health insurance broker.

These agents offer you these benefits at no cost to you:

1. Access More and Better Options
A broker can guide you through health insurance open enrollment and you might even be able to keep your preferred primary doctor. When you work with a professional, you gain the benefit of his or her knowledge so you don’t have to tackle those complex regulations on your own.

2. Save Your Time and Your Money
An insurance agent will speak with you about your personal needs regarding coverage and budget. With an extensive knowledge of the market’s options, a professional will help you find excellent coverage and savings. Additionally, you don’t have to commit to hours of personal research or waiting for slow government processes. In most cases, you’ll get an accurate and dependable quote in minutes after just one visit. 

3. Professional Customer Services
As your family members get older, your health insurance needs may change as you have increased liabilities. For example, the birth of a child will result in the expansion of your policy. When you work with a professional, he or she will get to know your needs and understand how to help you navigate your changing insurance requirements. Moreover, when you have questions, you already know whom you can call. 

For more information about health insurance in the Santa Rosa area, get in touch with our professionals at Sackett & Associates Insurance Services at (707) 823-3689! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

Open enrollment has been open for a little over a month, meaning right now is the perfect time to enroll in a health insurance policy for 2016. The last day to sign up for a plan is January 31, 2016, but that is not the only deadline that you need to know. Keep this simple guide in mind to help you keep track of the most important open enrollment deadlines.

• November 1st – when open enrollment started and the first day that you were able to sign up for health insurance coverage for 2016.
• December 15th – the last day that you can change your health insurance plan or enroll in a new policy in order for your coverage to start on January 1, 2016.
• January 1st – the first day that your health insurance coverage can start if you enrolled in a plan on or before December 15th.
• January 15th – the last day to change your plan or enroll in a new health insurance policy in order for your coverage to start on February 1st.
• January 31st – the last day of the 2016 open enrollment. Any changes that you make to your health insurance between January 16th and January 31st will start on March 1st.

 If you don’t enroll in a health insurance plan by January 31, 2016, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in coverage. The only way that you can sign up for a health plan outside of open enrollment is if you qualify for a special enrollment period with a qualifying life event.
For more information on the open enrollment deadlines and for all of your health insurance needs, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County, California.  ​

On June 18th, the Supreme Court upheld a major provision of the Affordable Care Act, which means a large victory for the Obama administration. The 6-3 decision marks the second time in four terms that the court has prevented the Affordable Care Act from a serious obstruction that could lead to the end of the program. 

The key point in the King vs. Burwell case centered on whether the federal government had the ability to provide subsidies for low income Americans, to help them purchase health insurance. The challengers of the case argued that the way that the law is written does not allow for subsidized insurance in states in which the federal government had set up insurance exchanges. The challengers said that the law only allows for insurance subsidies in states that have set up their own exchange programs. The challenge to the law came out of a clause that the challengers argued meant that exchanges should be “established by the state,” but the members of Congress who took part in writing the law disputed characterization. Thirty four of the 50 states are currently relying on the federal marketplace. 

If the court had decided to invalidate that specific portion of the law, Congress and President Obama would have to figure out a new way to help the 6 million people who are receiving subsidies cover the cost of their mandatory health insurance. The ruling makes sure that 6.4 million Americans will be able to keep their coverage.

For more information on the King vs. Burwell ruling, and for all of your health insurance needs, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County, California. We will work with you to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage, no matter your income level.

Understanding How The ACA Will Affect Your Filing

Tax season is a stressful time for many Americans. By April, you have to have gathered all of your paperwork from the previous year, sorted through it, at least partially understood it, and comprehended how you are supposed to report it to your state and federal governments. It can feel overwhelming to take on, and will unfortunately only get more complicated due to the changes implemented by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

When you file your taxes this spring, you will be expected to report information about the health insurance coverage you had for the 2014 calendar year. This means you will have to go through a couple more steps when you file, but if you carried the legally required amount of coverage you should not have too much trouble completing this portion of your tax return. 

Furthermore, if you get your health care coverage through your workplace, filing this information with your taxes will be even easier. All you will need to do is check the box on the revamped Form 1040, saying that you carried minimal essential coverage in 2014. 

All in all, the government is doing everything it can to ensure that Americans are able to accurately report their information when filing their taxes this year. Everyone is learning how to abide by these new regulations this year, so the IRS is working to make information about the process easily available. If you are confused about what is expected of you when it comes time to file, do not be afraid to reach out to the experts for help. 

You should not be left trying to navigate the changing world of healthcare in the United States alone. To get a healthcare expert on your side, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services today. Serving Sonoma County, we are here to help you get the coverage you need, and actually understand it. 

Covered California Offers Special Enrollment Period 

If you have not heard, there is a penalty fee for not carrying health insurance coverage. If you did not know, the open enrollment period—during which time you could sign up for coverage—ended on February 20th (extended from February 15th). If all of this is news to you, do not be alarmed. Covered California is offering a grace period.

Fortunately, you can now take advantage of a special enrollment period during which you can get covered to avoid penalty fees. Covered California’s executive director Peter Lee said that this special enrollment period would run until April 30th. This period has been offered to protect the 600,000 Californians who could face tax penalties since they have not obtained coverage. 

When you sign up for your policy, simply indicate on your application that you were not aware of the tax penalties that you would face if you went without coverage.

So you will no longer be in the dark, the 2014 tax penalties for not carrying coverage were $95 or 1 percent of your household income, whichever was greater. For 2015, those penalties will be higher, coming in at $325 or 2 percent of your household income (whichever is more). Do not leave yourself exposed to this significant expense by going without coverage; sign up for the policy you need to protect your health and your wallet today!

If you do not yet have the health insurance you need to avoid the tax penalty fees, act today to take advantage of this unique extension. Do not wait until the last days of the special enrollment period to get covered; contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services today. We serve Sonoma County and are here to help you get the policy you need to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s regulation. 

How To Get The Coverage You Need After February 15th

If you wake up on February 15th with a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach it may be because you forgot to get your sweetheart something for Valentine’s Day, or because it is the last day of the current Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period. Do not wait until this deadline to get the health coverage you need or you could be stuck without coverage and facing tax penalty fees in the New Year. 

If, however, life gets in the way and you are unable to get ACA-compliant health care coverage by that date, there are a few things you can do to try to remedy the situation. They are:

• See If You Qualify For Special Enrollment Period: If you began your application process but were unable to get it completed by the deadline, ask for an extension on your enrollment period. The government is granting extensions for some who had complications with their applications. Also, if you had serious life changes occur during the open enrollment period such as getting married or divorced, adopting or having a child, or losing your job you may have a qualifying life event that will enable you to get an extension of up to sixty days.
• Get Other Coverage: If all else fails and you cannot secure an extension, you can still get health care through a short-term insurance plan. Although you will still be eligible to be hit with tax penalties, you will at least have the insurance you need to avoid high health expenses until the next open enrollment period.  

Whether you remember to secure insurance before February 15th or you miss the deadline, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County, California. Our team of Affordable Care Act experts can help you get the coverage you need to be protected in 2015. Do not hesitate to call us today!

A Step-By-Step Guide To Getting The Right Plan For You

If you enrolled in a plan during the last open enrollment period but have found it will no longer meet your needs for the coming year, you have the opportunity to switch plans during the current open enrollment period that ends February 15th. Until the 15th, you can shop the marketplace to find the healthcare plan that best meets your needs. Here is a simple guide to making the switch.

1. Shop The Marketplace: The number of plans available has increased since 2014, so even if you liked your plan last year you will want to check out other options to make sure you are not missing out on better coverage and/or savings. Doing a small amount of research now could save you money for the rest of the year. 
2. Log In: Once you have found the right plan, you can easily make the switch to secure that coverage for the coming year online. Simply log in to your marketplace plan by heading here and go through the process step by step. Finish each item on the to-do list and make sure you select “Continue to Enrollment” and enroll in the plan you choose. If you do not complete the last step, you will not be properly enrolled. 
3. Update Your Information: Whether or not you decide to change plans this year, make sure you keep your household information updated online so you can keep your coverage current and avoid missing out on any savings. 

To connect with an agent who will take the time to ensure you are getting the right plan for your needs in 2015, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County, California. We are here with the industry experience and Affordable Care Act knowledge necessary to ensure you get the best coverage for the best price. Call us today!

Your Guide To Getting The Truth About The ACA

As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has rapidly changed the face of health care across the United States, confusion around exactly what the ACA is and what it means for Americans has swirled. With this perplexity, many misconceptions around the ACA have become widely circulated, resulting in myths about the act being commonly believed. To help you understand what the ACA really means for you, here are some common misconceptions to dispel.

• The Only People Signing Up Already Had Insurance. Although it would make sense that those who already had insurance coverage would simply transfer to ACA-compliant plans, a Kaiser Survey revealed that three of every five people who signed up during the open enrollment periods of the Affordable Care Act were previously uninsured.
• The ACA will raise my insurance premiums. Health insurance premiums had been increasing year after year even prior to the passing of the ACA. The Affordable Care Act has increased coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, women, and others and some insurance providers have begun increasing their rates to cover these changes. And yet, polling shows the average marketplace plan costs under $100 a month. 
• Everybody Hates It. Although there has been some backlash against the ACA in the media, surveys show that Americans do not want to repeal it; they just do not understand it. In fact, even those who said they do not support the ACA revealed that they do support the majority of changes the ACA is implementing.

 
To have a health insurance expert guide you along the changing landscape of health care in the US, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County, California. We are here to meet all of your health insurance needs in the New Year. Call us today!

Since open enrollment is now open, it is important to make sure that you sign up for health care coverage. If you do not sign up for coverage during this time, you will not have any health insurance for the upcoming year and will face heavy fines.

The fines for not having health care coverage in 2015 are much more expensive than the fines of not having coverage in 2014. If you do not sign up for coverage during open enrollment, you will have to pay 2 percent of your yearly household income or $325 per adult and $162.50 per child under 18 in your household for the year, whichever amount is higher. This amount is higher than the 1 percent of your yearly household income or $95 per adult and $47.50 per child for the 2014 penalty. 

Keep in mind that the 2 percent penalty of your yearly household income, only the amount of your income that is above the tax filing threshold, or about $10,000 for a single person, is used to figure out the fine. The maximum amount of the 2 percent penalty is the national average premium for a bronze level health care plan. The maximum amount per family using the second flat rate is $975 per year. 

For 2016, the penalty increases again, up to 2.5 percent of your yearly household income or $695 per person.

The health insurance coverage penalty will come out of your federal income tax return that you file for the year. For 2015, most people will file their return early in 2016.

For more information on open enrollment and your health insurance choices, contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Santa Rosa, California. We will help you find the right policy that will fit all of your needs. 

The open enrollment period is here! Starting on November 15th, 2014 and ending on February 15th, 2015, you must obtain health insurance if you want to avoid being charged penalty fees. A large majority of Americans missed the first open enrollment period, hence the reason why no penalties were enforced during the first enrollment period. However, now that everyone has had sufficient time to prepare and understand Obamacare and their responsibility, penalties will be enforced. These penalties can easily exceed thousands of dollars annually, depending on the size of your household, which stresses the importance of being prepared. Penalties are calculated based on annual fixed rates per person in your household or by calculating a percentage of your annual household income. Therefore, obtaining the necessary health insurance can cost significantly less than facing annual penalties. 

Rather than viewing the requirement to obtain health insurance as a forced burden, it is important that you take on the mindset of universal health care for all. Now, every American will be able to receive the preventative care their bodies require to thrive. 

In order to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period, it is important that you seek the guidance of a Certified Covered California Agent, such as the ones at Sackett & Associates Insurance Services. We can ensure that you comply with the regulations surrounding the Affordable Care Act so that you can avoid all penalties. 

Contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County for all of your California individual health insurance needs. We will assist you in navigating the second Obamacare open enrollment period until you are confident in your coverage and receive your confirmation letter. We understand this can be a daunting task, which is why we are available around the clock to assist! 

The second Obamacare open enrollment period is almost here, and if you are one of the many individuals who missed out on the first open enrollment period because you were unprepared or confused, now is the time to prepare! This time around, there will be no leeway for those who fail to enroll in time. 

With website malfunctions and initial confusion during the first Obamacare open enrollment period, Obamacare officiates gave individuals who failed to enroll a break. However, if you fail to enroll during the second Obamacare open enrollment period, which begins on November 15th, 2014 and ends on February 15th, 2015, you will be faced with new penalties. 

There are two ways in calculating how much an individual is required to pay for their monthly penalty. Once these two methods are calculated, you will be required to pay the higher amount. The first way is by calculating 2% of your household annual income. The second calculation method is $325 per person annually. Children are only $162.50 annually until they turn 18 years old. However, these numbers will continue to grow. In 2016, if you do not obtain health insurance, you will be required to pay either 2.5% of your annual household income or $695 per person annually. 

To avoid being charged annual penalties, simply enroll for health insurance during the second Obamacare enrollment period! 

Contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County for all of your California individual health insurance needs. Regulations surrounding Covered California can be confusing, which is why we are available around the clock to ensure that you obtain health coverage that meets all Affordable Care Act regulations. The last thing we want is for you to be faced with penalties for not complying with all new rules and requirements. Allow the Certified Covered California agents at Sackett & Associates Insurance Services to assist! 

As the Affordable Care Act continues to stir confusion, it is imperative that you receive the peace of mind knowing you have complied with all rules and requirements. One major aspect of the ACA is the individual mandate. This mandate states that an individual will be charged for each month that they do not obtain the required health insurance. We understand this can be a daunting subject, and that is why we have gathered some must-know information about the individual mandate:

• You must enroll in the minimum required health coverage in order to avoid fines.
• The fee that you are charged is calculated by determining the number of months you are without coverage.
• If purchasing a “silver plan” on the individual market would cost more than 8% of your family’s income, you will be excused from the mandate.
• You will be exempt from the fee for three months if there is a coverage gap of 3 consecutive months.

Contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services for all of your Sonoma County health insurance needs. We can answer any remaining questions you may have regarding the Affordable Care Act.

If you are enrolled in Covered California, you need to be working with a Covered California Certified Insurance Agent! Steering through complicated health care laws is enough to cause a headache. Websites can be confusing, and the high enrollment demand may create long holds. These things alone are a great reason to collaborate with an experienced Covered California insurance agent.

These certified agents work pro bono! Their experience and help comes at no cost to you. They can help you with the application process, choosing a plan, and picking your premium. Certified agents have the experience needed to help you through all of the steps as you enroll in Covered California.

Don’t make the health care application process any harder for yourself than it needs to be! Give them a call to take advantage of the valuable, free service.

If you have any questions regarding health insurance, please contact Sackett & Associates Insurance Services, located in Sonoma County! We offer both group and individual insurance, and will be able to find you the policy that best fulfills your needs!