17 Dec Health Insurance Services Continue At The Chamber In 2018
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is pleased to announce they will continue to offer Health Insurance Services each month at the Chamber Office for their members and the Ticonderoga Area business community in coordination with their partner the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce.
Health Insurance services will typically be available the first Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM by appointment only (unless otherwise indicated). The TACC office is located at 94 Montcalm Street, Suite 1 in Downtown Ticonderoga. Services are by appointments only. Appointments must be made by calling 518-563-1000 and asking for Lisa Bedard-Dupee, Director of Health Insurance Services.
2018 North Country Chamber Health Insurance Service Dates (schedule is subject to change): January 3rd, February 7th, March 7th, April 4th and May 2nd. No June or July Dates have been scheduled. August 1st, September 5th, October 3rd, November 7th and December 5th.
Through its licensed subsidiary, the Plattsburgh-North Country Service Corp., the Chamber is offering health insurance assistance throughout the North Country region to small businesses, non-profits, employers of all kinds, self-employed people, individuals and their families. Its trained and licensed professionals can answer questions and assist with available health insurance choices both on and off the new State Exchange, all at no cost to the client. The North Country Chamber and its service corporation are the official providers of health insurance services for many partner chambers in the region including the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce. Information, guidance and assistance with health insurance for businesses as well as individuals on and off the New York State Health Benefits Exchange will be available.
“Everyone at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce goes above and beyond to provide services and information to the members. Our focus is the same. The partnership we have allows us to offer members across the region not only access to health, vision and dental policies, but to information as well. If you own a business be aware of when your health insurance anniversary is. Let us help you review your plan, look at your options and any new plans available. No one should be without health Insurance. Give us a call and make an appointment. We will help make health insurance stress free for you,” shared Lisa Bedard-Dupee, Director of Health Services – Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce.
It’s Health Insurance Open Enrollment Time. Open enrollment is the yearly period when individuals and their families can enroll in a health insurance. You can enroll if you don’t have health insurance through your employer or your spouse’s employer, you don’t have government coverage such as veterans, Medicare and Medicaid, or you are over age 26 and can no longer be on a parent’s health insurance. Open Enrollment Period is through January 31, 2018.
If you miss open enrollment you may have to wait for another full year to sign up unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Insurance policies can be purchased from the New York State of Health Marketplace or directly through an insurance company. Lisa Bedard-Dupee at the North Country Chamber of Commerce is a licensed insurance broker and certified navigator available to help you with enrollment on or off the marketplace and to determine if you are eligible for a tax credit.
Penalties are imposed for not having health insurance coverage. The 2018 penalty is 2.5% of your income or $695 per adult (whichever is more) and the penalty for each child in the family without coverage will be up to $347.50. If you owe a penalty it will be taken from your tax refund. *Hardship exemptions are available for specific situations.
Anyone currently enrolled in a health plan through the New York State Marketplace must go on to the website and update their information and income levels. This will help to reconfirm that you are getting the most from your tax credit and make necessary adjustments to avoid penalties. Changes to the plan you selected can be made at this time. All individual plans renew on January 1 and rate increases will apply. Be aware there may be changes to your plan, copays, co-insurance, or drug coverage. Be sure to review the details. Monitor your mail and emails for information regarding these changes.
For answers to questions about the health insurance market, assistance with enrollment, or to make an appointment contact Lisa Bedard-Dupee at the North Country Chamber at 518-563-1000.
For more information contact the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce at 518-585-6619 or email chamberinfo@ticonderogany.com.