December is the key time to secure your health coverage for 2025 and, at the same time, optimize your taxes. If you sign up before January 15, your plan can start on February 1 in most states. At La Familia Multiservices, we help you choose a plan, apply for financial aid and understand how these “tax credits” impact your tax return.

Why does it matter now?

- Open Market Enrollment (HealthCare.gov) ends on January 15 in most states. If you sign up after December 15, your coverage usually starts on February 1. (Source: HealthCare.gov, Dates and deadlines: https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/)

- In 2024, a record 21.4 million people enrolled in Marketplace plans. This shows that there are real options and savings for families. (Source: HHS, January 24, 2024: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/01/24/record-214-million-people-signed-up-affordable-care-act-coverage-during-2024-open-enrollment.html)

- About 9 out of 10 registered people receive help paying their monthly premium, thanks to “tax credits” from the Market. (Source: KFF, explanation of subsidies: https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/explaining-health-insurance-subsidies-in-the-aca-marketplaces/)

- The Hispanic community continues to have higher rates of uninsurance than other groups, so taking advantage of this period can make a big difference. (Example: In 2022, 18.0% of uninsured Hispanics vs. 5.2% of non-Hispanic whites. Source: U.S. Census, 2023: https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-279.html)

What is the Market Tax Credit?

- It's government support that reduces your monthly insurance payment (the “premium”). Its technical name is Premium Tax Credit or APTC.

- It works with your estimated income for the year. If you get more help than you needed, you may have to return part of your tax return. If you received less, you may be able to get a refund. (Source: IRS, Premium Tax Credit: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/premium-tax-credit)

Key benefits of enrolling now

- Lower costs: Many families qualify for low monthly premiums thanks to tax credits.

- Essential coverage: preventive visits, vaccines and tests at no additional cost with Marketplace plans.

- Pre-existing conditions: You can't be denied coverage because you have a previous illness.

5 simple steps to enroll with the help of La Familia Multiservices

1) Estimate your income 2025: includes salaries, tips, 1099, self-employment income. This is how we calculate your correct help.

2) Gather documents: identification, SSN or ITIN if you have one, proof of income (W-2, 1099, account statements), and documents for all members of the household to be insured.

3) Check your medical network: we check if your favorite doctors and hospitals are on the plan.

4) Compare the total cost: not just the premium, but also the deductible, co-payments and pocket maximum. We explain it to you in simple words.

5) Choose and submit your request: we do the process with you to avoid errors that could affect your taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions We Hear in the Office

- What if I win cash? We can help you estimate income responsibly using your records, deposits and work habits. This is key to avoiding adjustments when filing your taxes.

- If I don't have eligible immigration status? Market rules require certain statuses. Even so, we can guide you on low-cost local options and community clinics. If you have eligible status, we support you through the entire process.

- Do I have work insurance, is the Market right for me? It depends on the cost and how “affordable” the employer's plan is. We review your numbers so you don't lose benefits or overpay.

How we support you at La Familia Multiservices

- Free evaluation of eligibility for tax credits and savings.

- Step-by-step guided registration, in Spanish and English.

- Integrated tax advice: we explain how your aid from the Market is “reconciled” in the tax return to avoid surprises.

- Date reminders and support throughout the year, if your income changes.

Take action today

- Schedule your appointment before January 15 to begin coverage on February 1 (in most states).

- Contact us at www.lafamiliamultiservices.com for quick and non-binding orientation.

Fuentes

- HealthCare.gov — Open Enrollment dates and deadlines: https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/

- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), 24/01/2024 — Record of 21.4 million registrations 2024: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/01/24/record-214-million-people-signed-up-affordable-care-act-coverage-during-2024-open-enrollment.html

- KFF — Explanation of subsidies in the Market: https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/explaining-health-insurance-subsidies-in-the-aca-marketplaces/

- IRS — Premium Tax Credit (APTC/PTC): https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/premium-tax-credit

- U.S. Census Bureau — Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2022: https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-279.html

Note: The information is general and may vary by state and personal situation. Some dates, rules and amounts may change. We verify your case during the appointment to give you a personalized recommendation. This publication is not legal or tax advice.

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