Health law sign-up deadline extended to Thursday

Due to unprecedented demand, HealthCare.gov announced last night that it will extend the first deadline to Thursday, Dec. 17 at 11:59 Pacific Standard Time for people looking to enroll in coverage effective January 1.

“We will make sure that if you are trying to enroll by the deadline – either by contacting the call center or visiting HealthCare.gov – you will be able to get coverage that starts on January 1”. Because of high volumes, the officials said, about 1 million people encountered delays either in reaching a call center or logging onto the website, and many then followed instructions to leave their contact information to hold their places in line.

Those enrolling in an Obamacare health plan on Delaware’s health insurance marketplace must sign up by midnight Tuesday to gain coverage January 1.

“I am pleased with the strong start to this year’s Open Enrollment”, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. Now, eight in 10 current enrollees qualified for financial help and most can get coverage for $75 or less after tax credits, according to HHS. The department also says people with current plans will likely save by shopping for cheaper coverage.

Kansas City is lagging in the competition among 20 communities to see who can sign up the highest percentage of people without health insurance.

BECKLEY- A deadline for health insurance sign ups is fast approaching. After that, consumers can not purchase health insurance without a qualifying life event, such as moving to a new state, marrying or having a baby.

If people choose not to have health insurance in 2016, they are at risk of paying a fee. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you may have to pay 2.5 percent of your household income or $695 per adult when you do your income taxes.

It’s been the busiest month for navigators in the three years since the federal marketplaces launched, Serr said.