In 2002, the Trade Act created the Health Coverage Tax Credit, also referred to as the HCTC. The HCTC became effective in 2003, and offers a federal tax credit of 65% to be paid back to eligible individuals for the qualified health plan premiums they paid each year. This works one of two ways: the eligible individual can either file their federal tax returns each year claiming the premiums, or by applying for an advance by paying 65% of the health plan premiums due. The way in which the individual receives the health tax credit is usually up to him or her.
Eligible individuals for the health tax credit usually include trade impacted workers who get a Trade Readjustment Allowance or Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance. Some people may be eligible if they collect from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
This is a huge plus for those individuals who find it difficult to obtain affordable health insurance in Alabama. Sure, there are state and federal programs to assist low income individuals and families who can not afford to purchase an individual and/or family health insurance plan, and even those individuals who work but aren’t offered health insurance coverage through their employers, but sometimes individuals aren’t eligible for these programs, even though they don’t have any other means to find affordable health insurance in Alabama.
Health care is a necessity, and sometimes we have to find the cash to hand over, whether we have it or not. With the Health Coverage Tax Credit, those who are eligible for a federal tax credit can at least rest assured that some of their hard-earned cash will make it back into their pockets.
If you are one of the many who are having a difficult time finding affordable health insurance in Alabama and are interested in your eligibility for the Health Coverage Tax Credit program, visit Alabama’s Department of Insurance Web site for more information.
By: Elizabeth Newberry
Posts Tagged ‘Family Health Insurance’
Find Very Affordable Health Insurance in Alabama
April 1st, 2010No Cost Or Low Cost Alternatives For Individual & Family Health Insurance
March 14th, 2010
Many individuals and families have taken a big hit over the past couple of years because of the high cost of health insurance coverage. Many small businesses that used to be able to provide individual and family health insurance have had no choice but to discontinue offering benefits because the costs were simply too much for them to pay. This has left many people without health coverage and without a lot of option either. If this has happened to you or someone you know, here are a few simple options that might help you out at some point.
#1. Buy private insurance. I understand how expensive this can be. If you do this you may want to consider just carrying a high deductible and paying cash for doctor visits. By raising your deductible you’ll lower your monthly payments by quite a bit. As I said, this is only an option.
#2. Try to find a doctor that will see you for a lower fee in exchange for cash. This is not out of the question at all. Many doctors have to wait several weeks before they are reimbursed for certain insurance claims so even if you had to see someone on a space available basis it might be worth your time to look into it. I know that this is fairly common in smaller towns in some parts of the country.
#3. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek public assistance by either applying for government aid or by visiting a free clinic. Hey, you can think whatever you want of me personally, but if one of my children are sick that pride nonsense goes out the window. If I or my wife were sick and were unable to see a doctor we wouldn’t be able to provide for our kids. If you’re a single person then you need a helping hand to get back on your feet. Folks, we’ve got to stick together, especially now. Don’t be passing judgment on anyone that needs help because they or their kids are sick or hungry.
#4. Veterans should visit the closest VA Hospital or clinic. You don’t have to be combat related to be seen and you may qualify for health care at no charge if you are without income, low income or have no insurance.
There may be other alternatives available within your community that you could look into. The best thing that I can recommend other than what I already have is to grab a few free family health insurance quotes online and see what you can come up with there. You just never know what might fit into your budget.
By: Joe Stewart
