AAUG Insurance Company Ltd - Obamacare (ACA) and Exemptions for American Expats Living Abroad Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, went into effect on October 1, 2013 and will end on March 31, 2014. As most United States citizens know by now, if you do not acquire health insurance by that time, you will be fined, via a tax, for not enrolling in a U.S. health plan. The rules are fairly clear. However, the rules for American expats living abroad are unclear to many. Will expats have to pay for a U.S. insurance plan, even though they cannot use the care in another country? Are certain groups exempt from the ACA? Will American citizens living outside of the country have to come back to get the care they need under the ACA? Expatriates and Exemptions The good news if you’re an American expat is that you don’t have to participate in the ACA if you do not wish to do so. You also won’t have to pay the fine for not having coverage. However, you must meet one of the following requirements: 1. Be considered a resident of another country, which can be defined as living outside the United States for 330 days or more per year 2. Qualify under IRS requirements to be a permanent resident of a foreign country Other Affordable Care Act Exemptions Expats Visiting the United States If you are an expat without insurance and decide to come back to the United States for an extended period of time, you are exempt from enrolling in the ACA for up to 3 months. However, should you stay longer and do not qualify as exempt status for other reasons, you must get the appropriate health insurance coverage or risk a fine. It is important to note that some travel insurance policies qualify.
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How to Protect You and Your Family – International Health Insurance While you may be happy that you don’t have to participate in the Affordable Care Act because of your exemption, it’s important to realize that not having health insurance is a very dangerous game to play. That’s why at The American Assurance Underwriters Group (AAUG Insurance), we believe that being prepared is of the utmost importance. Purchasing a high-quality international medical insurance plan underwritten by AAUG Insurance Company is the best way to protect your family. It can also save you time and money. Available for purchase through international health brokers, international health insurance saves you from having to go to another country to get care. You, and the ones you’ve covered, can stay in your country of residence and potentially enjoy much lower premiums and easier follow-up care. Whatever it is that you choose to do, AAUG Insurance Company LTD suggests making sure that you know all of your options before making a final decision. Sometimes rules or situations can change at a moment’s notice, so it’s best to be prepared. Contact a professional today to understand the full ACA picture and all of the rules that apply. For more information Contact us @ +1 (954) 315-3879 or visit @– www.AAUG.com
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