Notice to Employees:        2018 Affordable Health Care 1095C Statements are now ready to print through EMPLOYEE ACCESS following this link.

As of January 1, 2014, the Affordable Care act (ACA) requires you to have health insurance for yourself and your dependents.  Some people are exempt from this requirement.  To learn how to apply for an exemption see Questions and Answers on the Individual share Responsibility Provision, Questions and Answers on the Individual Shared Responsibility Provision.  If you do not have health insurance and you are not exempt, you may be subject to a penalty (see What if someone doesn't have health coverage in 2014?).  The penalty takes effect on the first day of the 2014 plan year (September 1, 2014).

Enrollment in TRS-ActiveCare satisfies the requirement to have health insurance.  The TRS-ActiveCare Enrollment Guide explains who is eligible to enroll in ActiveCare.  Enrollment in another plan, such as through a spouse, parent, or association, also satisfied the requirement to have health insurance if the plan provides minimum essential coverage.

As an alternative to Active Care or another health insurance program, you may enroll in Insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  In Texas, the Marketplace a federal government program that will offer ‘one-stop shopping’ to find and compare private health insurance options.  Most individuals are eligible to enroll in insurance through the Marketplace.  The Marketplace will begin enrollment in October 2013 for coverage beginning in January 2014.  For information on the Marketplace, see Health Care.

You may be eligible for a premium tax credit or other assistance toward insurance obtained through the Marketplace, depending on your household income.  More information on the premium tax credit and other cost sharing provisions is available at Health Care.  Please note that the district will not contribute to premium costs if you enroll in insurance through the Marketplace.  Also, you will lose the benefit of paying the premium with pre-tax income if you purchase insurance through the Marketplace.

Additional information.  If you have questions or concerns about the health insurance offered through the district, please contact:  Shannon burns, Executive Director of Human Resources & Program Services, Email Elena McFadin or 830-779-6600.  Questions about Marketplace and how the Affordable Care Act impacts you as an individual should be addressed to Health Care or your personal attorney.