Federal officials especially pushed for young people to sign up due to their typically lower healthcare costs. They’ve also been emphasizing the penalty fine — at least $695 this year — individuals could incur if they don’t have health insurance.
As part of their efforts, officials conducted more than 24 radio and television interviews to promote open enrollment sign-ups. HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell traveled to Texas and Florida, while marketplace CEO Kevin Counihan went to Oklahoma. Even President Obama conducted a series of interviews from Washington, D.C.
As of Jan. 30, Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of CMS, said the Jan. 31 deadline wouldn’t be extended.
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