Guest Opinion: Get your 2015 health insurance now

If you are one of the many who did not have health insurance in 2014 and are now being fined, you only have until April 30 to sign up for a plan. The allowance is being made as part of a Special Enrollment Period that is being offered through the Health Marketplace.

While last year’s fine was a minimum of $95 or 1 percent of your gross adjusted income, this year’s final escalates to a minimum or $325 per individual, $162.50 per child or 2 percent of your gross adjusted income.

Those who sign up by April 15 will have their plans start on May 1, while those signing up from April 16 to April 30 will not be allowed to begin their coverage until June 1.

As it is, there will be a small fine even for those signing up this month. The law states that you need to be insured at least nine months of the year to avoid a fine. Those starting May 1 will be fined for one month without insurance and those starting June 1 will be fined for two months without insurance.

Those who have a qualifying life event and have a current plan can change that plan and those moving into state or losing their current coverage are also allowed to sign up for a plan through the health exchange. Businesses are allowed to establish a plan any time during the year. We can also assist you in setting up plans for your business. Individuals can also sign up, without subsidy, by taking a plan off the exchange through one of the companies that is offering a plan during the SEP. Other companies offer plans with a three-month waiting period for those who do not qualify for the SEP or through a qualifying life event (QLE). We can help on or off the exchange.

If you need help, you can call on us in person at Affordable Healthcare Pros at 2307 N. Carson Street in Carson City or phone us at 775-450-6769, 775-450-6867, 775-450-7754 or 775-224-7169. You can also call our office number: 775-883-3414.

There is no charge for our services.

Ron Bliss is a former sports writer who has been selling health insurance the last five years. He is certified on the Nevada Health Link as well as Covered California and can help individuals in both states on or off the exchanges. A variety of Medicare supplements is also available through Affordable Healthcare Pros.