HARTFORD — Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and Access Health CT CEO Jim Wadleigh have announced a special enrollment for residents who did not have health care coverage in 2014 and are subject to a tax penalty on their 2014 federal taxes. Special enrollment began April 1 and runs through midnight on April 30, 2015.

“Special enrollment gives residents an opportunity to get covered before they file their 2015 taxes,” said Lt Gov Wyman. “Connecticut’s exchange has enrolled more than 552,000 residents over the past two years. This is great progress, and we continue efforts to try to reach anyone who still doesn’t have insurance. Anyone who wants access to affordable health care can get it through Access Health CT.”

“Our mission is to provide access to quality, affordable health care coverage for any resident of the state who wants it,” said Mr Wadleigh. “As the April 15th federal tax deadline approaches, we wanted to provide an extra opportunity for people to enroll and avoid a tax penalty. Consumers who are eligible for this special enrollment period may enroll online, using the mobile app, or by calling Access Health CT.”

To be eligible for this special enrollment, individuals must be currently uninsured and not enrolled in coverage for 2015, and:

*Attest that when they filed their 2014 tax return and paid the tax penalty for not having health coverage in 2014; and

*Attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the Shared Responsibility Payment after the end of open enrollment (February 15, 2015) in connection with preparing their 2014 taxes.

The federal tax penalty of $95 per adult or one percent of their income, whichever is greater, will be applied to individuals who do not qualify for an exemption and went without health care coverage in 2014. The tax penalty increases to $325 per adult or two percent of income for 2015.

Individuals taking advantage of this special enrollment period will still owe a penalty for the months they were uninsured and did not receive an exemption in 2014 and 2015. This special enrollment period is designed to allow such individuals the opportunity to get covered for the remainder of the year and avoid additional penalties for 2015.

To enroll visit accesshealthct.com, use the mobile app, or call 855-805-4325.