The $500 Obamacare Refund: Who In ND is Eligible?

Money Coming Your Way?

Lord knows you probably need it. $4 a gallon of gas is becoming the new normal, record-high utility prices, the cost of food at the grocery store, and other bills that are piling up. No doubt about it, finances are being stretched further and further. So, when I caught a story on ABC World News tonight talking about $500 checks coming to some residents, it caught my attention.

Some relief 

North Dakota is one of 30 states on the list where an estimated one million people who are enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, who paid full premiums, and were impacted by "user fees" are now eligible for refunds. Now, before you get too excited, this applies to only about 5 percent of Affordable Care Act participants.

(SEE ALSO: The Friendliest Cities in North Dakota)

Required Criteria for North Dakota Residents

According to MoneyLion, the requirements are as follows:

1. You buy individual insurance through HealthCare.gov.

2. You were paying full premiums, and you bought coverage without receiving government income subsidies or premium tax credits.

3. And finally, you were impacted by those "user fees" passed along in premiums.

When You Should Expect a Check

According to MoneyLion, the Government will begin mailing checks in October of 2026, and no formal application is required by Obamacare insurance users. The federal government will automatically identify eligible policyholders using records at HealthCare.gov and will issue checks automatically to the address on file.

If you receive health insurance through your employer, Medicare, or North Dakota Medicaid through the North Dakota Health and Human Services, you are not eligible for this exchange refund. Unfortunately for me, since I receive my health insurance through work, I'm not eligible. I sure could use an extra $500 right now. Hopefully, a check is coming your way.