Limited days remain for Mt. Pleasant residents to secure health insurance

The deadline to secure individual and family health insurance with a Jan. 1, 2016, effective date is rapidly approaching. Dec. 15 marks the last day individuals can enroll in a health plan for themselves and their families, and ensure the coverage begins on Jan. 1.

?It?s important that area residents understand this deadline,? explained Andrew Kriehbiel, of Krehbiel Insurance in Mt. Pleasant. ?Too often we see people waiting until month-end and then learning it?s too late.?

Individuals who do not obtain health insurance for 2016 will pay a much higher penalty than in previous years. ?This year?s penalty for not having health insurance coverage is at least $695 per person over 18,? explained Kriehbiel. ?Those under 18 will be looking at a $374.50 penalty for not having coverage.?

Individuals who wait until after Dec. 15 can still purchase health insurance for 2016, but the effective date for that coverage would be Feb. 1 or later. For many, this would mean going without health insurance for at least one month.

The 2016 Individual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) ends on Jan. 31, 2016. After that date, individuals will not be able to purchase health insurance for the remainder of 2016 unless they have a qualifying event, such as getting married or having a child.

Those seeking coverage are encouraged to seek out qualified experts for assistance. ?The most important factor is ensuring the person you work with is certified on the federal marketplace,? explained Kriehbiel. ?Only someone who is certified can help individuals understand the premium subsidies they may be eligible for.?