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Healthcare open enrollment poses challenges for some

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For those with variable incomes, signing up for health insurance on the New York State of Health Marketplace can be tricky.

The application asks for information about income to help determine whether an individual qualifies for an advanced premium tax credit. In the case of a sole proprietor, it may not be clear how much they will make in any given year.

Jeff Welcher, account consultant at Rochester-area Bene-Care, a benefits administrator, says it’s best for a person in this situation to take a low credit to avoid owing money come tax time.

"The right advice is advice many don't want to hear, and that is figure very low," Welcher said. "The advanced premium tax credits, which often in the media get portrayed as subsidies, they are not subsidies. They are truly an advance on your taxes, a credit toward your taxes."

At St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, a Rochester health center, executive director Christine Wagner explains that the online application can be changed over the course of the year.

"So it isn't like you're absolutely locked in, you can make adjustments as the year goes by," Wagner said.

Health insurance open enrollment on the state exchange began November 15 and will run through February 15.