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Tax penalties kick in for uninsured this year
East County News Service
February 8, 2015 (San Diego) – February 15th is the deadline to sign up for health insurance this year under Covered California, the state’s exchange for purchasing insurance under the Affordable Care Act, which requires every American to have health insurance.
Last week, health officials gathered at UCSD Medical Center to urge San Diegans to enroll in the healthcare program, Times of San Diego reports.
“The need to get everyone insured is critical,” said Dr. Raul Coimbra, the hospital’s surgeon-in-chief. “As a physician and a parent, I know the importance of having insurance.”
Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins and Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, also spoke out.
Lee praised San Diego County for being a leader in enrollment statewide, and reminded residents that they will face a tax penalty if they aren’t insured. But he noted, “The far worse penalty is not having an early diagnosis of cancer.”
Countywide, 122,000 people bought insurance through Covered California in 2014, and so far for 2015, 28,000 more have signed up.
Nick Macchione, director of the county Health and Human Services Agency, said the real value is having access to health care. He urged the public,”If you really love someone, then get them covered.”
You can sign up online for coverage and potential tax benefits with Covered California. In addition, the county’s 2-1-1 service can help you answer questions and complete forms. You can also get help from a licensed healthcare broker at no additional cost.
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