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Hawaii NewsTop News

Deadline to enroll in Obamacare coverage coming up

The state Insurance Division is urging individuals to enroll in plans under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, by the Dec. 15 deadline for health coverage next year.

Consumers who enroll in Obamacare plans by the deadline will receive coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, and can also apply for tax credit subsidies to lower the cost of insurance, said state Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito.

There will no longer be a tax penalty, however, for not having health insurance in 2019 under a tax bill signed by President Donald Trump, who has pushed to repeal Obamacare.

“As to the impact, it’s too early to tell,” Ito said.

There were 7,806 Hawaii residents who selected ACA plans via healthcare.gov from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. That compares to the 8,115 who signed up the same time last year.

“Consumers have limited time left to enroll for health coverage,” he added. “Those who have not yet signed up should take the time to consider plans across the various offerings. Individuals should consider more than just monthly premium rates, but also co-payments and deductibles and explore their options.”

To apply for coverage through the federal marketplace, go to healthcare.gov.

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