DES MOINES, Iowa- Iowans wanting to sign up for health care, under the federal Health Insurance Exchange, need to do so by Saturday, December 15th.
Spokesman Jeff Hinson says 25-thousand Iowans have signed up for the health insurance so far, and encourages those who wish to enroll, via www.HealthCare.gov, do so sooner, rather than later.
He says their busiest day was December 10th, but the system has been enhanced and strengthened so it was able to handle the increased traffic.
Hinson says there's no longer a penalty for not signing up, and there are 13-options in Iowa, including some from Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield which is back in the exchange after an absence.
Those who miss the deadline cannot get 2019 coverage unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Those renewing their coverage will be automatically re-enrolled, but they can change their coverage.
Hinson is with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) the federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, that runs most parts of the Affordable Care Act, including purchasing health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.