ObamaCare exchanges weigh extending deadline for insurance sign-ups

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Faux News

By Louise Radnofsky, Stephanie Armour

Washington state on Monday became the first state to extend the sign-up deadline for health insurance until mid-April, allowing uninsured people to get health plans while filing their tax returns.

Other states and the federal government’s HealthCare.gov insurance exchange, which serves 37 states, said they, too, are considering extending through the tax season the sign-up period that officially ended Sunday night.

Washington state’s move followed short-term extensions of a few days to a week by a number of state insurance exchanges as well as HealthCare.gov, for reasons including harsh winter weather in some regions and a technical glitch that sidelined some consumers on Saturday. Some states said they would allow consumers who hadn’t completed applications by Sunday to finish them but didn’t stipulate a cutoff date.

Washington state said it extended its deadline until April 17 for residents who hadn’t realized they would face tax penalties under the Affordable Care Act for going without insurance in 2014 and 2015.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/17/state-health-exchanges-extend-deadline-for-insurance-signups/

[Yo_Mama]

1. I think they should.

The object, after all, is to get people insured. Another month doesn't matter if more people can get on the rolls. A lot of people are waiting for their tax refunds to get the premium!!

[procon]

2. Didn't the Medicare drug plan also extend it's sign up period?

Other new programs as well, so this seems like a pretty normal occurance when new programs are trying to get off the launching pad. No doubt republicans will be salivating and gnashing their teeth at the prospect of denying more impovished Americans the chance of healthcare.

[Garion_55]

3. there shouldnt be a deadline

you should be able to sign up all year long.