The clock is ticking on open enrollment for health insurance.
The deadline to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s federal exchange is Sunday, Feb. 15. After this date, you will be unable to enroll in an individual health insurance plan unless you experience a life change, such as a marriage, birth or a new job.
About 10 million Americans have signed up for health insurance through the state and federal exchanges, The Hill reported. The Obama administration’s goal is 9.1 million paid enrollments for 2015.
[Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews] Burwell did not say how many of the 9.9 million have activated their coverage by paying their first premium, which is the threshold for becoming an official enrollee. Anecdotally, insurers have predicted that 80 to 85 percent of people will pay their first bill.
Missing the Feb. 15 deadline will not only leave you without health insurance, it could leave a dent in your pocketbook as well.
If you don’t have a health coverage exemption, you will be penalized for not having insurance. According to HealthCare.gov, the fine is the higher amount of these:
- Two percent of annual household income (above the tax filing threshold, which is approximately $10,000). When using this method, the maximum penalty is the national average premium for a bronze insurance plan.
- $325 per person for the year ($162.50 per child under 18). The max penalty is $975 if using this method.
If you need help signing up for health insurance, click here for a list of people in your area who offer free enrollment assistance.
Here’s a video that distills the information you need to sign up for health insurance:
And if you need more information on our evolving health insurance system, check out some of our previous coverage:
Obamacare Enrollment: How It Worked For Me This Year
Understanding Obamacare: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Platinum
Why I’m a Republican and Love Obamacare
How To Find a Health Care Plan With Good Dental Coverage For Your Children
Will Obama Care Complicate Your Taxes? Not Likely
Have you signed up for health insurance through the federal exchange? Share your experiences in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
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