I Missed the First Obamacare Deadline, Now What?
What you need to know about getting health care in 2014.
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Yes, the December 24 Deadline Has Passed - Christmas Eve was the extended deadline for those wanting Obamacare coverage on Jan 1. But relax: This doesn’t mean you can’t get heath care in the next few months. Read what you need to know about enrolling in Obamacare in 2014. —Kellee Terrell (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Remember: You Have Until March 31 - Don’t fret that you didn’t make the Dec. 24 deadline. We all have distractions — the holidays, work, school, kids, etc. —that may have prevented us from enrolling by Christmas Eve, but that doesn’t mean that you missed out. You have until March 31, 2014 to sign up for a plan. (Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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The Sooner the Better - Just because the final Obamacare deadline is March 31 doesn’t mean that you should wait until then to enroll. The sooner you apply for the insurance and pay your first premium, the sooner your coverage will begin. (Photo: REUTERS/Joe Skipper)
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When Does My Coverage Kick In? - For those who enroll by Jan. 15, you can get coverage starting as soon as Feb. 1. Enroll by Feb. 15, you get coverage by March 1; enroll by March 15, you get coverage by March 31. Enroll by March 31, your coverage will begin in April. Now these deadlines might change to a later date, but I advise to apply on these dates to stay ahead of the curve. (Photo: GettyImages)
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What If My Prior Plan Was Canceled? - Did you recently get a letter saying your current insurance was canceled? You are not alone, but President Obama recently announced that for those dropped by their health care companies, you will not be penalized for not enrolling in health care for 2014. You will, however, have to enroll for 2015. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Educate Yourself - Now that you have a few weeks before the Jan. 15 deadline, spend this time educating yourself. Which plans fit into your budget? Does your plan include dental and vision? Do you qualify for a subsidized plan based on your income in your state? These all are factors into finding the best plan for you and your loved ones. (Photo: healthcare.gov)
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Pick Up the Phone - The Internet is supposed to make our lives easier, but when it comes to picking out a plan, speaking to someone might really help. I recommend calling the 1-800-318-2596 to speak with a customer service rep that can help guide you in the right direction. (Photo: GettyImages)
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What Happens If I Don’t Enroll? - The penalty right now isn’t expensive: It’s $95 per person, up to a family maximum of $285, or 1 percent of family income, whichever is the most. But by 2016, that number goes way up to $695 per person and the family max could be $2,085. The penalty will be charged to you when you file your taxes with the IRS in 2014. (Photo: REUTERS/Joe Skipper)