By JIMMY LAWTON

Nearly 3,000 previously uninsured St. Lawrence County residents acquired insurance through the New York Health Exchange in 2014's open enrollment period.

A total of 3,429 in St. Lawrence County obtained insurance on the New York Health Exchange and 2,812 of them did not previously have coverage, according to figures recently released by the state Department of Health.

The New York Health Exchange is the state’s answer to the Affordable Care Act, which allows people to search for and purchase health insurance through a marketplace. The plan is commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” a federal health care initiative that aims to reduce the number of uninsured Americans and reduce health care costs.

The marketplace allows customers to receive income-based tax credit for purchasing insurance.

Medicaid, Tax Credits, Subsidies

In St. Lawrence County, the largest provider of insurance through the exchange was Medicaid with 1,800 enrollees, according to DOH. About 90 percent, or 1,620 of those people, were previously uninsured.

The passage of the Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand the income requirements for Medicaid recipients, which likely contributed to the increase in signups.

Child Health Plus, a state taxpayer-subsidized insurance program for children, saw 327 enrollees. About 87 percent, or 285 of those people, were previously uninsured.

In St. Lawrence County, three health care providers were approved to sell insurance on the exchange -- Fidelis, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP.

A total of 1,302 people purchased insurance from those providers through the exchange. About 70 percent, or 911 of those people, were previously uninsured.

Of the 1,302 people who purchased insurance, 1,130 received tax credits. About 922 of those people also received additional cost-sharing benefits, which is federal money that helps offset out-of-pocket spending for deductibles and co-pays.

Only 172 people who purchased insurance on the Exchange in St. Lawrence County did not receive tax credits or subsidies, DOH says.

Anne Marie Snell, who works as a health insurance navigator at the St. Lawrence Health Initiative, says the financial assistance available through the marketplace is a key component in driving enrollment.

“Most people who enroll through the marketplace are seeking financial assistance to reduce the cost of premiums and out of pocket expenses. The amount of financial assistance you receive depends on your household income,” she said.

“It is best to have your most recent tax return handy, four weeks’ worth of paystubs, unemployment information, and information regarding all other income that comes into your household such as social security benefits, retirement benefits, or other taxable income,” she said.

Snell also pointed out that people should be very careful when estimating incomes, as the Internal Revenue Service will reconcile actual incomes with estimated incomes when taxes are collected. It is better estimate on the high side to ensure families aren’t hit with an unexpected tax bill, she said.

Snell also said that people can adjust their income estimate at any point throughout the year through the online marketplace.

People can find out if they qualify for financial assistance quickly at http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/calculator

Penalty Breakdown

Incentives, tax credits and reduced costs aren’t the only factors pushing St. Lawrence County residents to purchase insurance.

A penalty for people who do not have insurance has also been implemented, calculated one of two ways.

Taxpayers who don’t have insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage will pay either 1 percent of their yearly household income or $95 per person for the year. The fee is reduced to $47.50 per year for children.

The penalty will be based on whichever option has a higher cost.

The way the penalty is calculated, a single adult with household income below $19,650 would pay the $95 flat rate. A single adult with household income above $19,650 would pay an amount based on the 1 percent rate. If income is below $10,150, no penalty is owed.

The penalty also increases every year.

In 2015, it’s 2 percent of income or $325 per person. In 2016 and later years it’s 2.5 percent of income or $695 per person.

In following years, the rate is to be adjusted for inflation.

For those who are uninsured for just part of the year, 1/12 of the yearly penalty applies to each month he or she remains uninsured. Those uninsured for less than three months don’t have to make a payment.

2015 enrollment

People hoping to capitalize on health insurance tax credits, or those who fear penalties will soon be able to sign up for insurance once again. The open enrollment for the health exchange begins on Nov. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2015.

Small businesses can enroll at anytime, and many individuals and families qualify for special enrollment periods.

Snell says her office is available to help.

“While anyone can fill out the application on their own online, a navigator has experience working with the application and can answer your tough questions.” The application assistance is just that, assistance: “We are here to help you fill out your application. The application still belongs to individuals who are enrolling, and they can access it at any time.”

For help in navigating the online marketplace call the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative at 261-4760, ext. 222.

To sign up or explore the exchange visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.