For those Americans who tried but weren’t able to sign up for private health coverage under Obamacare by March 31, the Obama administration has set a new final deadline: April 15.
“You must finish your enrollment by April 15 to get coverage for 2014,” says a new explainer on HealthCare.gov. “If you enroll by April 15, your coverage will begin May 1.”
The administration has previously announced that it would institute a grace period for people who tried to sign up through HealthCare.gov before the official March 31 deadline, but didn’t complete the process. Those enrolling must attest that they attempted to enroll before that deadline, but administration officials have acknowledged that there will be no further requirement beyond that attestation.
Those enrolling before April 15 will not be subjected to Obamacare’s individual mandate penalty.
The law also allows people to enroll in coverage throughout the year if they have a change in life circumstances, such as losing a job.
