The NH Health Insurance Marketplace is now open for enrollment. Individuals can choose from more than 40 plans offered by five providers: Ambetter, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim and Minuteman Health.
Marketplace enrollment ends Jan. 31 and individuals without insurance will be penalized. In 2016, the penalty fee is $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, or 2.5 percent of annual income. The maximum fee is $2,085, or 2.5 percent of income in 2016, whichever is higher. (To learn more, visit coveringnewhampshire/about-marketplace.)
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not required to offer health insurance to their employees, but the marketplace offers incentives to do so.
Employers with less than 25 full-time-equivalent employees whose annual salary on average is $50,000 or less are eligible for a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the employer premium contribution provided they cover at least 50 percent of premium costs. For tax-exempt employers, the tax credit is up to 35 percent. To learn more about the SHOP Marketplace for small employers, visit healthcare.gov/small-business and
coveringnewhampshire.org/small-employers.
Below are the key dates to keep in mind:
• Dec. 15, 2015: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start Jan. 1, 2016.
• Jan. 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start Feb. 1, 2016.
• Jan. 31, 2016: Open enrollment for 2016 ends. Enrollments or changes between Jan. 16 and Jan. 31 take effect March 1, 2016.
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