The penalty fee for not having insurance has increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2016, but don't sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($695 per adult, $347.50 per child - up to $2,085/family or 2.5% of family income, whichever is higher). You will have to pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance reminds consumers that open enrollment for insurance coverage on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) began Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.

Since the conclusion of the last enrollment period, there have been several changes related to Tennessee insurance carriers. The Department wants consumers to be aware of those changes and make informed choices when it comes to choosing insurance coverage.

For 2016, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and UnitedHealthcare will provide coverage across Tennessee. Cigna will provide coverage in Nashville, Memphis and Johnson City, and Humana will provide coverage in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville. Copies of presentations from carriers describing their 2016 plans are available on our website.

Community Health Alliance (CHA) will not offer insurance coverage on the FFM in 2016. The company voluntarily entered runoff, and its coverage will end on Dec. 31, 2015. CHA policyholders will keep their insurance through Dec. 31, 2015, if they continue to pay premiums. CHA consumers have until Dec. 31, 2015 to enroll in a new healthcare plan in order to have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2016. Click here for details about CHA's runoff and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

The Department emphasizes the need for consumers to carefully review plan networks. If you like your physician, make sure he/she is included in the plan network. Also, consumers should review networks for their nearest and/or preferred hospitals. Several plans provide tight networks and/or limited out-of-network benefits. To avoid unexpected and unpleasant balance bills, always see network providers.

Important dates:

• November 1, 2015: Open Enrollment starts for 2016.
• December 15, 2015: Enrollees who want coverage to be effective on January 1, 2016 must act by December 15.
• December 31, 2015: Coverage ends for 2015 Marketplace plans. CHA members must act by Dec. 31 to have coverage effective on Jan. 1, 2016.
• January 1, 2016: Coverage can begin for 2016 Marketplace plans.
• January 31, 2016: Open Enrollment ends.

Questions? TDCI is here to help. Contact us at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218 if you have questions about Open Enrollment.

Source:

Partner station WJLE