PROVIDENCE, RI (January 12, 2017) – Time is running out for Rhode Islanders to purchase health insurance for 2017. To simplify the shopping experience, HealthSource RI has enhanced customer service options to include Saturday hours, in-person assistance at the East Providence Contact Center and additional online tools, in English and Spanish, to help customers choose the plan that fits their budget.

HealthSource RI is the only resource for Rhode Islanders to compare health plans and assess their eligibility for health insurance tax credits or Cost Sharing Reductions. Nine out of ten customers qualify for financial assistance thorough HealthSource RI. Additionally, 2017 HealthSource RI customers will see an average premium decrease of 0.6 percent, in a year in which the average national increase is 22 percent. Monthly costs for some premiums are decreasing by more than 5 percent.

Rhode Islanders can quickly learn if they qualify for financial assistance with the help of the HealthSource RI’s Savings Calculator in English at healthsourceri.wpengine.com/calculator or in Spanish at HealthSourceRI.com/calculator-es. Spanish speakers can also find more enrollment resources at the Spanish HealthSource RI website.

HealthSource RI is committed to helping Rhode Islanders choose their health insurance with confidence. Hours of operation during Open Enrollment are 8am-7pm Monday through Saturday. Customers can call HealthSource RI at 1-855-840-4774, visit us in person at 401 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence or go to HealthSourceRI.com to learn about events or enroll online. Customer can also set up a free appointment in their neighborhood with a health insurance Navigator by calling 211.

The Affordable Care Act requires most Americans to have health insurance. The penalty for being uninsured in 2017 could be as high as 2.5% of an individual or family’s household income. In most cases, Rhode Islanders who go without health insurance will have to pay this penalty to the federal government when they file their taxes.

Medicaid (no-cost insurance) eligible customers can enroll anytime of the year.

Small employers who purchase coverage through HealthSource RI for Employers may enroll in health insurance coverage throughout the year at their regular renewal date.

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