Deadline quickly approaches to apply for health insurance starting Jan. 1

Press release from Pisgah Legal Services:

An important deadline is just around the corner for anyone who needs health insurance beginning January 1, 2016. Consumers must sign up by December 15th for their coverage to begin on the first day of the coming year.

Do you have questions about choosing affordable, quality health insurance? Pisgah Legal Services, and other ACA Partners of WNC, can help with free, unbiased, in-person assistance for the Affordable Care Act’s Third Open Enrollment, taking place from Nov. 1, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016.

Appointments can be made by calling toll-free: 855-733-3711 or make an appointment online at www.pisgahlegal.org/free-legal-assistance/aca/ 

Free, In-Person Help is Available with Trained Professionals

Pisgah Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm, and other ACA Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society and WNC Community Health Services.

Avoid Upcoming Penalties by Signing Up Now

Those who have not signed up for health insurance will face penalties which will be deducted from tax refunds. In 2015 the fees are $325/person and $162.50/child or 2% of yearly household income. In 2016 the fees will increase to $695/adult and$347.50/child or 2.5% of yearly household income.

Pisgah Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal aid since 1978 to help low-income people meet their basic needs, such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, finding safe housing, and accessing health care and subsistence income.  For more information, call Pisgah Legal Services at 828-253-0406 or toll free at 800-489-6144 or visit www.pisgahlegal.org.