Healthcare.gov Enrollment Deadline Extended to Dec. 17

If you were planning on enrolling for a healthcare plan through healthcare.gov for Jan. 1 coverage but never got around to it here’s good news, the deadline has been extended to Dec. 17.

The deadline was originally set for Dec. 15, but was extended due to “unprecedented demand” at the healthcare.gov call center, which can be reached at 1-800-318-2596.

“Hundreds of thousands have already selected plans over the last few days, and approximately 1 million of you have left contact information to hold your place in line. We want to make sure all of you have access to affordable coverage. This additional 48 hours will give you a chance to come back and complete your enrollment for coverage starting January 1,” Healthcare.gov stated on their website.

A total of 317,094 Texans had reached out about Affordable Care Act coverage between Nov. 1 and Dec. 5, and there were about 2,787,997 new plan selections across the country.

“I am pleased with the strong start to this year’s Open Enrollment,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said.

Even if you miss this deadline, you will still be able to sign up by Jan. 15, 2016 to get coverage by Feb.11 and Jan. 31 for coverage by March 1. After Jan. 31 those who have not signed up for any health insurance plan will have to take a penalty. The fee is calculated two different ways: as a percentage of total household income, or per person. You will pay whichever one is higher.

The penalty for not signing up for health insurance is currently: 2.5 percent of household income; $695 per adult, $347.50 per child under 18; and has a maximum of of $2,085. That’s up from 2015 when the penalty was: 2 percent of household income; $325 per adult; $162.50 per child under 18; and a maximum of $975.

“While we have more work to do, more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for affordable quality coverage through HealthCare.gov. And the average returning Marketplace consumer who has shopped and chosen a new plan will pay less in premiums after their tax credits this year than they were paying last year. Time is running out to sign up for a health plan that begins on January 1. With less than a week remaining before the December 15th deadline, we urge consumers to visit Healthcare.gov and get enrolled,” Burwell said.

To preview plans and pricing plans for your area click HERE. To see if you would save by switching click HERE.

[Photo courtesy of healthcare.gov]