To: Update: NRLN Avaya Retirees Chapter Members - Action Item
Respond to NRLN Action Alert on Extend Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)
We have a number of Avaya salaried retirees that have qualified and benefited from the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) because they lost their company healthcare coverage due to the Avaya bankruptcy.
This refundable tax credit pays 72.5% of qualified health insurance premiums for eligible individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 (before Medicare eligibility) and their families.
Because the Tax Credit was originally set up with a sunset clause where it was to expire in a few years it has been extended several times with a one-year extension.
This year the HCTC will need an “extender” that must be passed by Congress by 12-31-2020. The NRLN has issued an Action Alert requesting that all NRLN members email the NRLN’s sample letter to their U.S. Representative and Senators to request that an HCTC extension for 2021 be attached to a bill that is expected to be enacted before the end of the year.
We had heard from a couple of Senator’s tax staff this yesterday – that they are working hard for the extenders including HCTC, but it is not clear at this time if there will be a package this Congress.
We can all help if we reach out to our members of Congress and tell them to get together and get this done in the next couple of weeks. Go to
https://www.nrln.org/SE.html#/ and click on the “TAKE ACTION” link to email your letter today to your Representative and Senator. If you have benefited from HCTC, insert your person comments into the letter on how important HCTC is to you and your family.
Regards,
Vern Larson, President, NRLN Avaya Retirees Chapter
NRLN Board Member, Vice President – Membership Development