HOW TO SIGN UP
Online: Visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.govPhone: Marketplace call center representatives are available at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.NEED MORE HELP? Enroll America has created a "Get Covered Connector" which seeks to link applicants with in-person appointments with local Navigators. Call 844-644-5443 or visit GetCoveredTenn.org.
Procrastinators: Today is the day.
It's the final day for people who are without health coverage to purchase insurance on HealthCare.gov. Those who fail to do so could face fines as much as 2 percent of their annual income, or $325 -- whichever is higher.
Local navigators who help people through the process of obtaining coverage under the Affordable Care Act are scheduling appointments through the weekend, and brokers like the Chattanooga-based American Exchange are preparing to work long hours to help meet what they expect will be a surge of last-minute shoppers.
While Bloomberg News reported Friday that the Obama administration is considering considering allowing an extra health care enrollment period for tax filers who learn of the fine for not carrying insurance, enrollment advocates advise not to bank on that possibility.
"I would just encourage people to sign up before the deadline," said Andrew Dupuy, regional communications director for Enroll America. "I wouldn't want to take any chances and not get the health care and face the fine."
Last week, federal officials reported more than 200,900 people in Tennessee and nearly 470,000 in Georgia have bought plans on HealthCare.gov.
In Tennessee, at least 82 percent of those who selected health insurance plans were determined eligible for premium subsidies averaging $211 per person per month.
Since open enrollment launched Nov. 15, more than 7 million people have bought plans or were automatically re-enrolled into HealthCare.gov plans.
Contact staff writer Kate Belz at kbelz@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.