JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO — RANDOLPH, Texas, September 30, 2013 (AFNS) – Starting in January, all individuals must maintain minimum health care coverage for themselves and all dependents claimed on their federal tax return, or must qualify for an exemption. Those who do not will be charged a penalty beginning with their 2014 federal tax return.
Under, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-152, the federal government, state governments, insurers, employers, and individuals are responsible for reforming and improving health insurance coverage availability, quality and affordability.
Airmen covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (including temporary continuation of coverage), Medicare, TRICARE and Children’s Health Insurance Program meet the federal requirement, said Kathryn Iapichino, Air Force Personnel Center.
“Some civilian employees may not be covered because when they were hired, they had the option to not select a health benefits plan,” she said. “There may not be many in that situation, but those who are need to be aware of the federal requirement.”
Those Airmen particularly should review their options in preparation for the 2013 Federal Benefits Open Season, Nov. 11-Dec. 9, 2013, Iapichino advised.
“Civilian employees who need to meet Affordable Care Act requirements can select their health insurance during open season and they will meet the requirements established by the IRS,” she said.
For more information about the comprehensive open season and Affordable Care Act, go to myPers at https://myPers.af.mil or the Internal Revenue Service website at www.irs.gov/uac/Questions-and-Answers-on-the-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Provision.