| In 2002, the Trade Act created the Health Coverage | | | | to assist low income individuals and families who can |
| Tax Credit, also referred to as the HCTC. The HCTC | | | | not afford to purchase an individual and/or family |
| became effective in 2003, and offers a federal tax | | | | health insurance plan, and even those individuals who |
| credit of 65% to be paid back to eligible individuals for | | | | work but aren't offered health insurance coverage |
| the qualified health plan premiums they paid each year. | | | | through their employers, but sometimes individuals |
| This works one of two ways: the eligible individual can | | | | aren't eligible for these programs, even though they |
| either file their federal tax returns each year claiming | | | | don't have any other means to find affordable health |
| the premiums, or by applying for an advance by paying | | | | insurance in Alabama. |
| 65% of the health plan premiums due. The way in | | | | Health care is a necessity, and sometimes we have to |
| which the individual receives the health tax credit is | | | | find the cash to hand over, whether we have it or not. |
| usually up to him or her. | | | | With the Health Coverage Tax Credit, those who are |
| Eligible individuals for the health tax credit usually include | | | | eligible for a federal tax credit can at least rest |
| trade impacted workers who get a Trade | | | | assured that some of their hard-earned cash will make |
| Readjustment Allowance or Alternative Trade | | | | it back into their pockets. |
| Adjustment Assistance. Some people may be eligible if | | | | If you are one of the many who are having a difficult |
| they collect from the Pension Benefit Guaranty | | | | time finding affordable health insurance in Alabama and |
| Corporation. | | | | are interested in your eligibility for the Health Coverage |
| This is a huge plus for those individuals who find it | | | | Tax Credit program, visit Alabama's Department of |
| difficult to obtain affordable health insurance in | | | | Insurance Web site for more information. |
| Alabama. Sure, there are state and federal programs | | | | |