Survivors of domestic violence, who are married, have until late May to sign up for health insurance coverage (OR)

The current deadline for open enrollment for healthcare insurance coverage in Oregon was extended through April 30.

However, for survivors of domestic violence who are also married, this open enrollment period is extending to May 31.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized "the unique difficulties that these survivors of domestic violence face when attempting to file taxes,'' according to the Oregon Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence.

In addition to extending this deadline, the IRS and Treasury Department has issued new guidance for married survivors so they do not need to file jointly with their abusive partner. 

This means that survivors of domestic violence may file their taxes separately and still be eligible to receive a tax credit to help pay for their premiums, or to apply for a hardship exemption.

For those survivors who are still in an abusive relationship and are married, or have separated but have not yet been able to divorce their partner, attempting to jointly file and claim this exemption with their abuser could be a serious safety concern, said Vanessa Timmons, executive director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence.

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2014/03/survivors_of_domestic_violence.html