In general, people who are married can only qualify for a premium tax credit if they file a joint tax return with their spouse. However, these rules have recently changed for anyone who is the victim of domestic violence. If you are the victim of domestic violence, filing a tax return separately from a spouse will no longer prevent you from being able get help paying for coverage through premium tax credits.
Because this rule was recently announced, the Health Connector will have a special enrollment period from April 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014, for anyone that this situation applies to. The special enrollment period allows victims of domestic violence to apply for and enroll in health insurance outside of the recently closed open enrollment period.
If you are a victim of domestic violence who did not apply for coverage through the Health Connector during open enrollment:
If you are a victim of domestic violence who:
- Is currently enrolled in a Health Connector Plan without help paying for coverage, or
- Tried to apply during open enrollment and did not enroll because you did not qualify for a tax credit
Please call Health Connector Customer Service at 1-877 MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765), TTY: 711. You will be able to change your tax filing status from your original application and will be able to shop for a new plan with help paying for coverage, if you qualify.