Obamacare Deadline Nears: What You Need to Know

Filed under: Health Care, Personal Finance, U.S. Government, Barack Obama, Health Insurance

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Monday is the deadline to sign up for private health insurance in the new online markets created by President Barack Obama's health care law. So far, about 4 out of every 5 people enrolling have qualified for tax credits to reduce the cost of their premiums.

Here's what you need to know:

o. The deadline is Mar. 31 at midnight Eastern time for the states where the federal government is running the sign-up website; states running their own exchanges set their own deadlines.

o. You can sign up online by going to HealthCare.gov or your state insurance exchange. If you don't know what your state marketplace is called, HealthCare.gov will direct you.

o. You can call 1-800-318-2596 to sign up by phone or get help from an enrollment specialist.

o. Check online for sign-up centers that may be open locally, offering in-person assistance.

o. If you started an application by Monday but didn't finish, perhaps because of errors, missing information or website glitches, you can take advantage of a grace period. The government says it will accept paper applications until April 7 and take as much time as necessary to handle unfinished cases on HealthCare.gov.

o. Be prepared for the possibility of long wait times.

 

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