The Connector has finalized Affordability and Premium Schedules for 2007 and created an online tool for use by the public, making it possible to get a sense of whether a particular individual or family is likely to be penalized if they do not have health insurance by December 31, 2007. Final determination of liability will be made by the Department of Revenue after submission of 2007 tax returns.
The new affordability tool serves more as a guide than an online calculator. Residents can use their own financial information to determine if they are liable for the individual mandate. Please note, the Connector is considering adjusted gross income although the tool uses the term "annual income". Adjusted gross income is indicated on Tax Form 1040-line 37; Form 1040A-line 21; Form 1040EZ-line 4. Trained Connector Call Center staff at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) can help people use the tool and interpret its findings.
Residents who do not have insurance by December 31, 2007 may request an appeal to be exempted from the mandate in certain cases such as hardship. Appeals will be made to the Department of Revenue; the process has not yet been clarified. A form to request a Certificate of Exemption will be available on the Connector website sometime in the future, along with guidance about who should request them. Certificates of Exemption are not required for people already determined exempt from the mandate.
Post new comment