Deadline to enroll in health insurance approaching

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Wednesday that 12,395 Montanans have either bought health insurance for the first time or renewed their coverage since open enrollment began Nov. 1.

“[That’s] more than had signed up at this time last year,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.

Open enrollment for 2017 plans closes Jan. 31, 2017.

People who opt out of insurance are expected to face a tax penalty. For tax year 2017, uninsured people will see a fee of $695 or 2.5 percent of their income — whichever is higher, according to healthcare.gov.

Returning shoppers have until Dec. 15 to pick a plan before they’re automatically re-enrolled in their current one, which may come with a new price tag. The cost of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is expected to rise an average of 22 percent next year, according to the Obama administration.

But only a slice of Montanans will feel that increase because federal subsidies will also rise, depending on individual household incomes. That increase will affect about 80,600 Montanans on individual market plans, according to the state’s commissioner of securities and insurance.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 77 percent of Montana Marketplace enrollees can find plans with a premium of less than $75 a month.

Nationwide, about eight out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through healthcare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act, although what Trump plans to replace the act with — or when changes could take place — is still uncertain.

For more information or to consult with a local certified insurance agent, visit montanahealthanswers.com.

To shop for health insurance, visit healthcare.gov.