Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the announcement that New York State of Health will offer a special enrollment period for individuals and families who had not been aware of or had not understood  that they would have to pay a penalty for not having health insurance coverage. The special enrollment period, from March 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015, will allow individuals and families to obtain coverage through the New York State of Health Exchange to avoid the penalties for 2015.  However, individuals and families who did not have insurance for at least nine months during 2014 might still have to pay a tax penalty this year.

“Many people in New York State only recently became aware of the penalty for not having health insurance, when preparing their tax returns for 2014. This special enrollment period offers them an opportunity not only to avoid the penalty in 2015, but also to enroll themselves and their families in a comprehensive health insurance plan. The subsidies available to purchase health insurance on New York State of Health often substantially reduce the cost based on your income and the size of your family. I am hopeful that the special enrollment period will encourage more people to enroll with many of the excellent health insurance plans that are available,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

For more information about the NY State of Health marketplace, please visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777. Individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and Child Health Plus will have the ability to enroll at any time during the year. 

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.