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COVID-19 relief package brings changes

APTC, unemployment and COBRA shifts explained in FAQ document

The American Rescue Plan is now a reality.

The $1.9 trillion federal relief package, which is designed to address the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis, includes funding for a broad range of programs and includes some changes that could significantly affect your clients and prospects.

To highlight a couple of areas:

  • One change (which takes effect April 1, 2021) affects advance premium tax credits (APTC) for Health Insurance Marketplace customers. Individuals who previously were not eligible for APTC now may be eligible and may choose to opt in for these additional subsidies – but only if they take action between April 1, 2021, and August 15, 2021.
  • Another change affects individuals who are eligible for unemployment and COBRA benefits.

To help you navigate the implications of these changes for your members and prospects, we have developed a Frequently Asked Questions document on these aspects of the American Rescue Plan.

If you have additional questions, please contact Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield representative.