Study: 37 Percent of Phoenicians Do Not Plan to Enroll in Health Insurance Coverage

H&R Block research on Arizona, released today shows the following:

• 37% of Phoenicians don’t plan to get insurance, with 25% that don’t know if there is a penalty and 22% believe there is no penalty
• 56% of residents surveyed indicated they have enrolled in or plan to enroll in a health insurance plan in the year 2014

This is why H&R Block is offering free helpth – help getting health insurance.. They can make a free appointment for personalized help with a certified, licensed health care advisor to:

–       Review the array of health plans;

–       Compare their current plan side by side with the exchange (many client have appreciated this service);

–       See if their doctor and prescriptions are offered under the plan;

–       See if they are eligible for an Advanced Tax Credit to reduce their premiums; and

–       Complete enrollment in a matter of minutes.

With the March 31 close of the Arizona Health Insurance Marketplace, the deadline for the nearly 1 million uninsured Arizonans to get health insurance is less than two weeks away. A recent study by H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) via WestGroup Research found that 37 percent of Phoenicians do not plan on enrolling in a health insurance plan despite the mandate outlined under the Affordable Care Act.

Additionally, 25 percent of respondents surveyed are simply unaware of the tax penalty associated with not enrolling in health insurance coverage for 2014.

The health insurance enrollment period, which began last year, is coming to an end with more than 58,000 Arizonians enrolling through the marketplace to date. With a delayed start and the accompanying confusion around the Affordable Care Act, many people are unaware of the health insurance mandate and the tax penalties associated with not enrolling.

In fact, the study found that 22 percent of residents responded “no” when asked if there is a tax penalty for individuals who chose not to have health insurance in 2014. This coupled with the 25 percent of respondents who are unaware of the tax penalty shows that nearly half of respondents are unsure of this topic. The survey also found that just 56 percent of residents indicated they have enrolled in, or plan to enroll in, a health insurance plan for 2014.

The Affordable Care Act has linked two of the most complicated personal finance issues individuals and families can face – taxes and health care. With approximately 60 years as a trusted tax advisor, H&R Block now offers health plan enrollment services – “helpth” – at no additional cost for Arizonans seeking to enroll in plans available on the marketplace. H&R Block’s licensed health care advisors are available at 30 Phoenix Valley offices.

As H&R Block’s research confirmed, navigating the health insurance landscape can be confusing and many people are looking for health insurance enrollment advice. At participating H&R Block locations throughout the Valley, licensed and certified health care advisors are helping people complete enrollment.

H&R Block’s health care advisors can determine a person’s eligibility for government financial assistance through advanced tax credits, review and compare plans evaluating accessibility to certain prescriptions and doctors, and complete the enrollment process – all in one appointment.

It is not too late to avoid tax penalties and enroll in health insurance coverage by March 31, 2014. Meet with an H&R Block health care advisor and get covered today by calling 800-HRBLOCK (800-472-5625) or visiting www.helpth.com to schedule an appointment.