Are You Required to Have Health Care Coverage in Kansas?
As of January 1, 2014, most U.S. citizens and legal residents are required by law to have qualifying health care coverage or pay an annual tax penalty for every month they go without insurance. This is called the “individual mandate.” Beginning in 2014, the penalty for not having qualifying coverage is $95 per adult and $47.50 per child or 1% of your taxable income; whichever is higher (up to $285 per family). The penalty increases annually.
Of course, there are exceptions to the Individual mandate. Such as:
- You have religious objections
- Are in the U.S. illegally
- Are in jail
- The cost of coverage exceeds 8% of your household income
- Your income is below 100% of the poverty level
- You have hardship waivers
- You are not covered for fewer than three months during the calendar year
If you are an individual, small business owner and in Kansas legally, you’ll need health insurance. Standard insurance plans cover these 10 benefits:
- Ambulatory patient service
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use disorder services including behavioral health treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Preventive and wellness and chronic disease management for adults and children, including 100% coverage for some services
- Pediatric service, including oral and vision care
Each insurance policy is different, so it’s very important that you understand your benefits and what you will be expected to pay out of pocket.
Don’t let finding health care coverage overwhelm you. Find the right policy with the right coverage and out of pocket cost that works with your lifestyle and budget.
Health insurance in Kansas can feel overwhelming with all the options. If you need help understanding coverage or help finding a plan that works with your lifestyle, call Jim Rooney at Advanced Insurance Concepts. We work with a variety of insurance companies in Missouri and Kansas. We are licensed to sell Health, Life and Accident Insurance, so call Jim Rooney for all your insurance needs.
