State-Level Temporary Assistance for the HCTC
National Emergency Grant (NEG) Bridge Program

Some states currently have temporary assistance programs for individuals who are potentially eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). This HCTC temporary assistance program, also called the National Emergency Grant (NEG) Bridge Program, pays 65% of individuals' health plan premiums while they are enrolling in the HCTC Program. This temporary assistance typically lasts 1-3 months and ends when the individuals receive their first invoice from the HCTC Program.

If you are potentially eligible for HCTC and live in one of the states listed below, contact your state to inquire about your eligibility for the state's temporary assistance for the HCTC. If your state is not listed below and you want to inquire about the future availability of a NEG Bridge Program in your state, you may also call the U.S. Department of Labor toll-free at 1-877-US-2JOBS (877-872-5627)
      
STATE CONTACT PHONE WEBSITE
Florida Trade Personnel 1-800-342-3450 Under Construction
Illinois Jonathan Taylor, Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan 1-866-8512751 www.chip.state.il.us
Kentucky Melissa Wiley 502-564-7456 Under Construction  www.oet.ky.gov
Maine Maine Bureau of Employment Services - Maine Health Coverage Tax Credit Program 1-888-457-8883 Under Construction
Maryland Becca Webster, Maryland Health Coverage Tax Credit Program 1-877-341-7697 www.mdhctc.info
Minnesota Lowell Johnson 1-888-631-1345 www.deed.state.mn.us/taa/tra.htm
North Carolina Employment Security Commission - local offices have NEG/state HCTC Program Information Contact your local ESC office www.ncesc.com
Ohio HCTC Gap Filler Program Staff 1-866-288-0989 select opt. 3 NA
Utah Jean Fisher, Department of Workforce Services 1-877-529-5578 http://jobs.utah.gov
Virginia Anna Wright, Virginia Health Coverage Tax Credit Program Administrator 1-866-484-8130 NA
Washington HCTC Coordinator 1-360-438-4000 http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal
West Virginia Elaine Huskins, Workforce Investment Specialist 1-304-558-7024 NA

Enrolling in the State's HCTC Temporary Assistance Program

Each state has a different registration process for individuals to enroll in the state's HCTC temporary assistance program.

  • Be a PBGC recipient or TAA certified (Trade Adjustment Act), and
  • Have qualified health insurance

Most states require:

  • A copy of the HCTC Candidate Letter (all potentially eligible individuals receive this in the mail from the HCTC Program) and
  • Proof of qualified health insurance coverage (a COBRA election letter and/or documentation from a State-Qualified Health Plan).

03/20/2005