If you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty. Under the Affordable Care Act, 2015 is the first year Americans must prove they had qualifying health insurance, or an approved exemption, for the previous year or they will face a tax penalty.

As a service to the community, Kosciusko Community Hospital is holding open walk-in sessions from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m Tuesday, Jan. 13, 20 and 27, as well as Feb. 10 in the hospital front lobby to assist anyone with their questions or sign up. For 2015, if you don’t obtain insurance by Feb.15, the last day of the Open Enrollment period, the penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each full month you don’t have health insurance in 2015.

The penalty fee is $325 per adult, $162.50 per child, up to $975 for a family or 2 percent of a family’s total income, whichever is higher. And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs. The good news is that based on household income and dependents, some individuals may qualify for financial assistance from the government towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.

“This is where KCH can help the uninsured in our community,” said Stephen R. Miller, CEO at Kosciusko Community Hospital. “With many people lacking access to a computer or just need help maneuvering through the enrollment website, our application counselors can help.

“We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options. Medicaid In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states, the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.”

Miller continued, “Even though Indiana has chosen not to expand Medicaid at this time, there are still many individuals in our community who qualify for Medicaid coverage. We can help screen these individuals and if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately.”

“Let us help take the frustration out of the enrollment process. Call us at (574) 372-7690 before Feb. 15 to help you get a healthy start to the New Year,” said Veronica Bayles, KCH Registration Director.