PROVIDENCE — The number of health insurance enrollees through the state’s Affordable Care Act exchange, Health Source Rhode Island, has risen to 32,000, and there’s room for more up until the final hours of Dec. 31, when customers must have selected and paid for 2018 plans or lose coverage, gaining tax penalties.
Last year the total number of enrollees was about 29,000.
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“It’s very important to remind folks that they need to pay for their coverage by Dec. 31,” said Kyrie Perry, director of communications, marketing and outreach for HSRI.
Rhode Islanders who don’t receive health coverage through an employer have until the end of Sunday, Dec. 31 to pick and pay for a 2018 health plan through HealthSource RI. Customers who have already selected a plan must also pay for their coverage before the end of the year, Perry said.
While the Republican tax bill passed Dec. 20 zeroes out the ACA’s penalty for the uninsured in 2019, it’s still in effect in 2018. Presently, the penalty for forgoing health insurance, known as the individual mandate, is $695 for a full year, or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is larger. For each child younger than 18 without coverage, the penalty is $348, according to HSRI director Zachary Sherman.
To help last minute shoppers, HealthSource RI is offering extended customer service hours via phone at 1-855-840-4774 and in person at 401 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence.
- Friday, Dec. 29 – 8 a.m.-10 p.m. via phone, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in person
- Saturday, Dec. 30 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Customers can enroll online any time before Dec. 31 at www.HealthSourceRI.com.
Small employers who purchase coverage through HealthSource RI for Employers may enroll in health insurance coverage throughout the year at their regular renewal date.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
