Georgetown CHIR faculty who are technical assistance professionals (TAPs) with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s State Health Reform Assistance Network (State Network) have released a new resource specifically designed for consumer services personnel in state insurance regulatory agencies. The resource updates Chapter 10, “Marketplace Financial Assistance,” of the ACA Consumer Services Toolkit  developed by Georgetown TAPs in 2013 and adds a new Chapter 11, titled “Tax Issues Related to Marketplace Financial Assistance.” Although the marketplaces and tax experts are the most appropriate sources of premium tax credit information, consumers with questions may contact their insurance regulators for assistance.

The updated Chapter 10 includes information related to the Affordable Care Act tax credits, including eligibility for premium tax credits and an example demonstrating how the tax credits are computed. The new Chapter 11 provides basic information about 1095-A forms, incorrect forms, and information about routing callers that require additional assistance.

The ACA Consumer Services Toolkit is designed to provide a quick reference for consumer service representatives to use when working with consumers seeking information about their coverage or help in dealing with insurance problems.  The information is organized and presented in a manner that is thorough, yet easily accessible.

The two chapters can also be used as a stand-alone guide to tax credits, 1095-A forms, and the reconciliation process for consumer services representatives in states that do not use the Consumer Services Toolkit.