The is alerting consumers to three matters they should consider while purchasing or renewing via an online .
When a consumer applies for assistance to help pay the premiums for through the , the will estimate the amount the the consumer may be able to claim.
The will use information the consumer provides about his or her family composition, projected household income, whether those being enrolled are eligible for other non- , and certain other information. All this information is used to estimate the consumer’s possible .
Three things the says consumers should consider during the Open include:
1. Advance payments lower premiums – The can choose to have all, some, or none his/her estimated paid in advance directly to his/her company the ’s behalf, to lower what the pays out--pocket for premiums.
These payments are called advance payments the or advance payments. If the consumer does not get advance payments, he or she will be responsible for paying the .
2. A return may be required – A consumer who received advance payments must file a return to reconcile the amount advance payments made his/her behalf with the amount the actual . This consumer must file income for this purpose even if he/she is otherwise not required to file a return.
3. can be claimed at – A consumers who chooses not to get advance payments, or get less than the amount in advance, can claim the benefit the he/she is allowed when filing the . This will increase the refund or lower the amount the consumer would otherwise owe.
More information about open season , which runs through January 1, 2016, is available at . Information about the can be found in the Questions and Answers page on .gov/ca.