sgroves@delphosherald.com

DELPHOS — The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will swing into action on January 1, 2014, and this year’s tax returns will determine who is eligible for government assistance and/or Medicaid for insurance coverage and who  is not.

H&R Block Tax consultant Denise Buettner spoke on the government-mandated insurance specifics and described the free service being offered to customers this tax season. Depending on their circumstance, the checkup will help them explore their options and guide them in the right direction.

“The checkup is geared to help people who don’t have insurance get insurance,” Buettner detailed. “For example, some people may qualify for a subsidy paid for by the government to the health-care provider or be eligible for Medicaid.”

After the first of next year, all Americans will have access to health insurance options. The new Health Insurance Marketplace will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans on a level playing field. Middle- and low-income families will get tax credits that cover a significant portion of the cost of coverage. And the Medicaid program will be expanded to cover more low-income Americans.