This report — tailor-made for the Affordable Care Act era — tells how four tax-preparation programs are breaking the mold and tackling the world of health care enrollment. Readers will learn the challenges and opportunities associated with such a move, which has the potential to help millions of low-income Americans take a critical first step toward a healthier future.
Tax assistance programs can play an important role in helping to boost health care enrollment
The Affordable Care Act has paved the way for community tax-preparation programs to assume a new charge: connecting millions of Americans with health insurance. Fresh off their inaugural year in operation, these one-stop tax and health insurance support shops offer valuable lessons in leveraging existing resources and delivery systems to play an even larger role in helping low-income households succeed.
Findings & Stats
A Variety of Environments
The four case studies included in this report reflect a wide range of policy and operational environments. These differences speak to the various roles that community tax-preparation programs can play in implementing the Affordable Care Act.
Strong Marketing Matters
Looking to share information about expanded health care options under the Affordable Care Act? Community tax-preparation programs are a great option, say experts. These programs have years of experience partnering with — and helping — lower-income communities.
A Common Customer
Many people seeking tax help may also benefit from expanded health insurance coverage. This common audience makes tax-preparation venues a logical outlet for delivering health care enrollment information and assistance.
Skip the Cookie-Cutter Strategies
Community tax-preparation programs can play different roles — minimal, passive, facilitative, active or formal — in bolstering health insurance enrollment. Each program must consciously choose and then embrace the role that best suits its resources and capabilities.
Statements & Quotations
Because several features of the [Affordable Care Act] cut across tax policy, the community tax-preparation infrastructure was potentially well-suited to help with outreach and insurance enrollment.
Organizations that augment tax services with financial coaching (especially in year-round programs) should recognize the similarities to Affordable Care Act enrollment assistance and leverage their capabilities to provide broader support.
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