REMINDER: TODAY is the deadline for Feb. 1st coverage in 46 states + DC!!

TODAY, January 15th, is the deadline for anyone who wants to enroll in a private insurance policy for coverage starting on February 1st in most states (or to switch to a different policy if you have one but want to make a change starting in February).

After that, of course, we'll have the big February 15th deadline (for March 1st coverage), which will also be a big deal because it'll be the last chance many (not all) uninsured people have to get coverage before the door slams closed until next fall.

Remember, the penalty in 2016 for not having health insurance in 2015 is considerably higher than it was for 2014: Instead of 1% of your taxable income (or $95/person in your household, whichever is higher), the fee this year is 2% of your income or $325 per person.

In any event, for 46 states (as well as the District of Columbia), for coverage starting on February 1st, midnight tonight is the deadline.

For the remaining 4 states, the deadline is a bit later...and unlike December, I'll be very surprised if any of the exchanges (federal or state-based) extends their deadline this month:

  • Maryland: January 18th
  • Massachusetts: January 23rd
  • Rhode Island: January 23rd
  • Washington State: January 23rd

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