The best way to determine your eligibility for a Marketplace health plan is to sign up for an intake appointment with one of our health insurance specialists. In general, to be eligible you must be a citizen of the U.S. or be lawfully present in the U.S., and you must not currently be incarcerated. Visit ProsperHealthCoverage.org or call the health coverage helpline at (512) 381-4520 to schedule an appointment.

Most people who are eligible to purchase coverage in the Marketplace receive some financial help to pay for coverage. More than 90% of people Foundation Communities helped in 2019 received some financial help. You may not be eligible for financial help if you have other health insurance options, such as an offer of health insurance from your employer.

When can I sign up?

Marketplace open enrollment runs from November 1 through December 15. This is the only time of the year when you can sign up for a Marketplace health insurance plan, unless you have a qualifying event, such as moving, getting married, or having a baby.

How much does it cost?

Everyone’s situation is different. There are a range of plans and prices available, depending on your income and family size and the type of coverage you choose. More than 90% of people we help at Foundation Communities get some financial help to pay for coverage, which reduces the “sticker price” of monthly premiums. Don’t let concerns about cost be a barrier to exploring your options. Our health insurance specialists will walk you through the plans and prices. You may be surprised at the choices available to you.

Can I get financial help to pay for my plan?

More than 90% of people we help at Foundation Communities get financial help to pay for their health coverage. The subsidies, or tax credits, can reduce the monthly cost you pay for your plan (the premium). You may also be eligible for help covering office visit co-pays and other healthcare expenses. Our health insurance specialists will help you get the maximum financial help available.

Will my plan cover any pre-existing conditions?

All Marketplace health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, as well as a range of other health benefits. See the full list of essential health benefits on Healthcare.gov.

Will a Marketplace health plan cover coronavirus testing and/or treatment?

Marketplace health plans are required to cover laboratory tests and services, though the coverage for specific tests may vary plan by plan. COVID-19 testing and treatment is covered by Marketplace health plans, just the same as any other viral infection.

If you currently have a Marketplace health insurance plan and your household has been affected by COVID-19, please get in touch with us because you may be able to change your plan or get additional financial help. Call us at 512-381-4520. Some changes to consider:

• Unemployment
• Reduced hours/reduced income
• College student now living at home because campus closed

Can I get help finding the best plan for me/my family?

Yes! Foundation Communities’ health insurance specialists have researched all the plans and prices to help you find the best plan to meet your healthcare needs and budget. You can get started by signing up for an initial intake appointment at ProsperHealthCoverage.org, or by calling us at 512-381-4520.

Can I change my health plan after I’ve signed up?

You can change your health plan any time between November 1 and December 15. After the December 15 deadline you can only make changes if you have a qualifying event, such as moving, getting married, or having a baby. Our health insurance specialists can help you make changes to your plan year-round if your circumstances have changed.

I’m currently unemployed. What happens if I get a new job after I’ve signed up for a health plan?

Everyone’s situation is different. If you get a new job please reach out to us so we can help you determine your best option. Call our health insurance helpline at 512-381-4520.

I’m currently unemployed and on COBRA. Can I sign up for a different plan through the Marketplace?

Yes! Open enrollment is the only time of year you can switch from COBRA to another plan unless you have a qualifying event, such as moving, getting married, or having a baby. We strongly encourage anyone on COBRA to explore their options. Marketplace health plans may be more affordable, and you may qualify for financial help to pay for coverage. You can get started by signing up for an initial intake appointment at ProsperHealthCoverage.org, or by calling us at 512-381-4520.

I lost my job because of COVID-19. Do my unemployment payments count in determining any financial help I might get to pay for my plan?

Yes. You’ll need to report your expected unemployment compensation when applying for health coverage through the Marketplace. When you apply for a Marketplace health plan, a health insurance specialist will help you estimate your income for 2021 to determine what financial help you qualify for.

What if I don’t know what my income will be next year? Can I still sign up for a health plan?

Yes! Make an appointment to get started with one of our health insurance specialists. They will help you estimate your income for 2021 and find the best plan option to meet your healthcare needs and budget. Sign up at ProsperHealthCoverage.org or call 512-381-4520.

What’s the difference between a Bronze, Silver, or Gold health plan?

The different levels determine how you and your health insurance split costs for your health care. The quality and type of care is not affected. For example, a Gold level plan may have a higher monthly cost (the premium), but you will pay a smaller percentage of the costs when you need care. A Bronze level plan may have less costly monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more when you need care. Our health insurance specialists can help you determine which type of plan is best for your healthcare needs and budget.

How can I find out if my doctor is in my chosen plan, or if my medications are covered?

Each year we research all the plans and prices so we can help you find the best plan to meet your healthcare needs and budget. Make a list of your doctors and medications before your appointment with a health insurance specialist. They will review the plans to make sure they have the coverage you need. Sign up for an intake appointment to get started at ProsperHealthCoverage.org or call 512-381-4520.

Can I be charged extra for any reason, like my age or because I’m a woman?

Marketplace health plans cannot charge you more because you’re a woman, or because you are pregnant or have pre-existing conditions. You can be charged up to 50% more if you use tobacco. Premiums can increase as you get older.

How do I apply for financial help to pay for my health plan?

When you sign up for a Marketplace health plan you’ll provide information about your household size and income. This will help determine how much financial help you will get. Our health insurance specialists will walk you through the sign-up process to make sure you qualify for the maximum financial help to pay for coverage.

Does my $1200 tax credit from earlier this year count as income for determining any financial help I might get to pay for my plan?

No. You don’t need to include the tax credit/stimulus payment in the income you report on your Marketplace application. These payments don’t impact your eligibility for financial help to pay for health care coverage through the Marketplace.

How will my immigration status affect my ability to sign up for a Marketplace health plan, or get financial help to pay for it?

Immigrants who are lawfully present in the U.S. can purchase health insurance on the Marketplace. Our health insurance specialists are experienced with helping immigrants sign up for health insurance and submit information to verify their status, if necessary. Only the person(s) applying for health coverage need to provide information about their immigration status. Undocumented household members who are not eligible for Marketplace plans do not need to provide any information.

Does financial help to pay for Marketplace health plans count against the public charge?

Receiving financial help for Marketplace health insurance does not count toward the determination of a public charge for anyone. Do not be afraid to insure yourself and your eligible family members. If you are a lawful permanent resident or green card holder, nothing about public charge applies to you. If you have a humanitarian status (for example, if you are an asylee or refugee), nothing about public charge applies to you.

Marketplace insurance and financial assistance do not affect your ability to become a resident or a citizen. But they can help you and your family stay healthy! If you have any questions or concerns about public charge related to Marketplace insurance plans, call us at 512-381-4520. We are here to help!

Needless to say that the 2020 holiday season will be like no other. This year, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead for the expenses that come with the holidays. But cutting down on expenses doesn’t have to mean that your holidays can’t be joyous. Here are some tips for minimizing cost while maximizing enjoyment.

Make a holiday budget. I know, not your idea of joy. But making a holiday budget can keep you from getting overwhelmed with expenses that just seem to pile up over the holiday season. Your holiday budget should include how much money you have or can set aside for added holiday costs, and a list of gift recipients and other expenses. A holiday budget is attached for you to try out.

Look for deals now. Many retailers are spreading their holiday sales over November and December, rather than having one-day deals on black Friday. With your holiday budget in hand, you can save on gifts throughout the coming weeks.

Plan for making (socially distanced) memories instead of buying gifts. This seems even harder to do during a global pandemic, so we have to get extra creative! Some ideas for meaningful, socially distanced activities are:

· Hold a decorating contest over video call. All participants show off their decorated home, room, doorway, or gingerbread house!

· Organize a cookie swap with your neighbors. Neighbors can leave cookies at each other’s front doors.

· Organize a food drive or fundraiser with friends and family. Donate the proceeds to a local charity.

· Send heartfelt hand-written cards to friends and family – make the cards yourself if you’re feeling crafty.

For help creating your very own budget-friendly holiday plan, schedule a phone or Zoom appointment with a Financial Coach. Call 737-717-4000 or visit our web site to schedule your appointment.

Written by Erika Leos, Financial Wellness Program Manager

While a second stimulus payment is still being negotiated in Washington, there is still time to claim the first payment, but not much! For those who have not received your stimulus payment, here are the dates you need to keep in mind:

Some federal benefit recipients need to act by September 30. The IRS reopened the registration period only for individuals who are federal benefit recipients who didn’t receive $500 per qualifying child payments earlier this year. Use the IRS.gov Non-Filers tool through September 30 to provide information about a qualifying child to receive a $500 per child payment.

Most people have until October 15.

• If you need to file a 2019 tax return, the tax filing deadline is October 15. The IRS will use the information on your tax return to send you your stimulus payment.
• If you don’t have to file and do not plan to file a 2019 tax return, use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here application to provide simple information by October 15 so you can get your payment.

If you already filed your return and need to check the status of your stimulus payment or update your bank account information, you can do that with the Get My Payment tool.

The National Disability Institute’s Financial Resilience Center created two videos in American Sign Language (ASL) to help you determine if you are eligible for the stimulus payment. You can find them on the Deaf & Hard-of-hearing Resources page.

Foundation Communities’ Prosper Centers are here to help you find your next step for claiming your stimulus payment. Call us at 737-717-4000 for tax resources, or to schedule a virtual appointment with a Financial Coach.

Sources:

https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_helping-consumers-claim-eip_guide.pdf

https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/deaf-resources/

Written by Jasmine Walia

If you find yourself unable to make payments on bills, loans, or debts, you are not alone. Many of us are experiencing financial uncertainty due to coronavirus. Feeling anxious or overwhelmed is normal, as does not knowing what steps to take to keep yourself and your family financially protected. However, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you, not just from coronavirus, but also from financial instability.

When you are ready to take action, where should you start? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat consumers fairly. The CFBP provides information you can use to financially protect yourself from coronavirus.

Contact financial institutions and discuss payment options, even if you cannot pay right away. Notifying lenders, creditors, or other loan servicers (this includes credit card companies, auto loan lenders, mortgage servicers, and debt collectors) that you are unable to pay or need a payment arrangement may allow for flexible options. Check a company’s website first to see if they have information about working with customer needs and then reach out to them, being prepared to explain your current financial situation, what you can afford to pay, when you can restart regular payments.

Regularly check your credit report to make sure there are no errors or delinquencies. This is especially important if you are working with lenders or other servicers on payment arrangements or forgiveness. Your credit has a lasting impact on your financial stability, so it is very important to make sure everything listed on your credit report is correct. You can request and view your free credit report by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

Be aware of financial scam attempts or fraudulent activities, as scammers often take advantage of people in a crisis. If you receive any suspicious information via email, text, or social media, do not provide any personal or sensitive information. To report a scam, you can provide a complain to the Federal Trade Commission, or contact your local police or sheriff office.

Though these steps may seem daunting, you are not alone in taking action. Foundation Communities has virtual financial coaching available to provide you with assistance as you go through the process of financially protecting yourself. They can also share resources around budgeting, saving, and planning for future emergencies. Foundation Communities is here to support you, as we all attempt to get through this pandemic, both physically and financially protected. Visit https://foundcom.org/financial-wellness/ to get started.

Sources:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2020. Protect yourself financially from the impact of the coronavirus. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/protect-yourself-financially-from-impact-of-coronavirus/

Due to COVID-19 the deadline for filing taxes was extended to July 15. If you still need to file your taxes, Foundation Communities’ free online tax prep services are available for anyone who needs it. With the income tax filing deadline right around the corner, Austinites who need to file their tax return still have time to get help from our IRS-certified tax preparers. We offer absolutely free tax preparation with no fees or deductions from refunds.

Are you expecting a refund? If so, get in touch with us to file your tax return as soon as possible. Your refund can be deposited directly into your bank account. Our IRS-certified tax preparers are experienced at finding every tax credit you qualify for to get the maximum refund available. We file almost all returns electronically so you can get your refund quickly.

Foundation Communities has helped more than 250,000 Central Texans file their taxes since 2006. In March we closed our in-person tax assistance centers due to COVID-19, but re-launched our services online in April. Our IRS-certified tax preparers now work from home and support tax clients online and through phone appointments. Read our interview with tax preparer Johnny LeBlanc to hear what socially distanced tax preparation looks like (hint: it’s basically the same, just at a safe distance).

Our free tax prep website is open 24/7, offering plenty of flexibility for those who need help with their taxes. To get started, visit https://bit.ly/GetYourRefundAustin at a convenient time and use our online questionnaire to enter your tax and household information. After you’ve uploaded your tax documents and finished the questionnaire, a tax preparer will review your information and schedule a phone appointment to go over it with you. We also have online tax prep available in Spanish here: https://www.getyourrefund.org/?new_locale=es&s=FC.

We’re offering online tax prep services through the July 15 deadline, but we encourage you to get started right away to make sure we have time to review and file your return by the deadline. Online tax preparers are available Monday – Saturday. Questions? Email us at taxes@foundcom.org or call 512-610-7374 and leave a message so that staff can return your call.

Every year Foundation Communities helps more than 20,000 Central Texans prepare and file their taxes and maximize their refund. This year we had to close in-person tax preparation due to COVID-19, but in early April we launched 100% online tax preparation through July 15. Instead of meeting with clients in person, our tax preparers are using a fully online system and meeting with clients by phone to review the tax information they submit online at Foundation Communities’ tax filing portal.

Like many, our IRS-certified tax preparers have transitioned to working from home from their usual workplace at one of the Prosper Center locations or another tax site in Austin. We chatted with Johnny LeBlanc, one of our IRS-certified tax preparers, to hear what motivates him to help Central Texans prepare and file their taxes, and how the shift from in-person to online tax prep is going.

If you still need to file your taxes and/or claim your stimulus payment, our IRS-certified team can help. Are you expecting a refund? Don’t wait! Visit Foundation Communities’ tax filing portal, or call 512-610-7374 for assistance.

How long have you been volunteering with Foundation Communities as an IRS-certified Tax Help volunteer and how did you get involved? 

I started volunteering in 2008. I don’t remember how I first heard about the Foundation Communities tax program (probably a PSA on KUT), but I attended a training session and decided to give it a try.

How did your experience volunteering build upon your previous expertise? What have you learned along the way? 

I’m a retired electrical engineer. Numbers and complexity are not intimidating to me, and I have been doing my own federal taxes for many years, so doing tax returns has been easy. Interacting with so many different people while helping them with their taxes has definitely been a different experience than that of an engineer working for a large company.

The Tax Help program typically is an in-person service, but due to COVID-19 precautions needed to switch to virtual service. What’s it like volunteering virtually? 

It’s very positive that we are still able to help folks with their taxes. Using the tax software is exactly the same as it was at the tax sites and the online platform makes it super easy to communicate with the Foundation Communities staff. The only downside is not being able to interact directly with our clients. I miss that.

What does your virtual volunteer work-from-home space set-up look like?

I’m an old nerd so I have a powerful desktop computer and a very large monitor in my home office, which makes doing virtual tax returns super easy. I have a bird feeder right outside my window so I can see the parent birds frantically trying to keep their fledglings fed and my desk is usually covered with 2 or 3 sleeping cats (often snoring) while I’m doing taxes.

What do you miss most about volunteering in-person at the tax sites? 

Interacting with the Foundation Communities staff and getting to meet our tax clients in person.

When you’re not volunteering, what do you enjoy doing? 

My main hobby is photography, I dabble at digital painting, and I also love visiting and hiking in our national parks (local parks too). I also volunteer at the Austin Animal Center where I try to help get cats adopted.

What’s the last book, movie, or TV show that made you laugh out loud? 

Big Bang Theory

Favorite treat? 

Milk chocolate

For anyone considering getting their taxes prepared virtually, but have never used a virtual service before, what would you want them to know to help them feel comfortable? 

If you are uncomfortable with using our virtual tax service, just think of it as using TurboTax but with real people to do the actual return for you and who will review and explain the return with you before it will be submitted.

For more than 15 years, Foundation Communities has welcomed community members to free tax preparation sites across the city. This year, we had to close our in-person tax prep services because of COVID-19, but we knew that thousands of people still needed help to file their taxes and claim their refunds. That’s why we’re now offering free online tax preparation from our IRS-certified tax preparers. It’s the same great service we’ve always provided, but offered online so everyone can stay safe and healthy.

Our free tax prep website is open 24/7 from the comfort of your home. You can start doing your taxes at any time that’s convenient for you. You’ll start by entering information about your household and finances, and you’ll upload your tax documents. Once you’re done with the online questionnaire, our IRS-certified tax preparers will review your information and give you a call. If you have questions you can call us at 512-610-7374 and leave a message with your concerns and our team will call you back.

Online tax prep makes it easy for us to file your return electronically and expedite your refund. We’ll file your return electronically in most cases. This is the fastest way to get your refund. The IRS is not processing paper returns due to COVID-19, and we don’t know when they will start or how long it will take for refunds to start going out. There are never any fees for our tax preparation services, and your full refund will be directly deposited to your bank account. If you need a bank account, we can help you open one.

You will get support from a real person who is preparing your tax return. Even though we’ve moved online, we’re offering the same support and service we offer every year. That means someone from our tax prep team will be available if you have questions about your taxes, need to update any information, or need to add a last-minute tax document.

We make sure you maximize your refund. Our IRS-certified tax preparers are experienced at finding every tax credit you qualify for. We carefully review your personal and household information and your tax documents to make sure you get the maximum refund available. We’ll review your tax return with you and then file electronically so you get your refund as soon as possible.

As we all go through this difficult period of change, we will do our best to make filing your taxes simple and convenient.

Foundation Communities is offering free online tax preparation in partnership with GetYourRefund.org. When we say free we really mean free. There are no fees or deductions from your refund for our services. And online tax prep and filing is the quickest way to get your refund and stimulus check directly deposited to your bank account. 

Tax season can be a headache, but this year our IRS-certified tax preparers can help you prepare and file your taxes from home with minimal fuss. And don’t forget — the tax filing deadline is now July 15 for everyone. Due to COVID-19 we have closed our in-person tax prep services and aren’t sure when we’ll be able to re-open, but we can provide you with the same great service online.

If you are expecting a refund or need help claiming your stimulus check, we urge you to file your taxes as soon as possible. We can help! Click here to get started.

If you’re expecting a refund or need to file your 2018 and/or 2019 taxes so you can claim your stimulus check, we can help you through the process. We can also help you file previous year’s taxes, if needed. 

Most IRS locations are closed due to COVID-19 and they have been unable to process paper returns. Taxpayers who file a paper return will experience long delays in getting their refund this year.

Here’s what you need to get started with online tax prep:

• Access to a computer or phone with internet access, an email address, and a valid phone number to sign into the online tax prep website.
• Proof of Social Security number or ITIN for everyone on the return.
• A valid photo ID to verify your identity (also for your spouse if filing jointly).
• All of your tax documents, such as W-2s, 1099s, 1095-A, etc. for yourself and your spouse. You will upload these documents or pictures of these documents online.

Once you have everything on the list, you can get started at bit.ly/GetYourRefundAustin. Click on the Get Started button to begin filling out your profile. If you have any problems submitting your documents, call our tax team at 512-610-7374, and they’ll call you back ASAP to help troubleshoot.

After you’ve completed your profile, a member of our tax team will give you a call to review everything with you before starting your return. Once we’ve completed your return, we’ll give you another call to review it before finalizing.

If you choose to file your return, our tax preparers will complete your return and file it with the IRS. Most people will be eligible for electronic filing, which will expedite your refund and stimulus check.

Foundation Communities will continue to offer online tax prep services through the July 15 deadline. Online tax preparers are available Monday – Saturday. Community members with questions about online tax prep or stimulus payments are encouraged to email us at taxes@foundcom.org or call 512-610-7374 and leave a message so that staff can return your call Monday – Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.