Do you still need health insurance? Open enrollment ends March 31

Open enrollment for health insurance for this calendar year ends in less than two weeks. If you do not have a qualified health plan, you will be subject to a tax penalty when you file your 2014 taxes. The penalty for the first year is up to $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, or 1 percent of family income, whichever is greater.

• To be covered starting April 1, you must apply, select and pay for a health plan by 5 p.m. on March 23.
• To be covered starting May 1, you must apply, select and pay for a health plan by 11:59 p.m. on March 31.

Those who qualify for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) may continue to enroll throughout the year. There are also certain events that allow you to enroll or change your enrollment throughout the year. Read more about qualifying events.
If you qualify for free or subsidized health care, enroll through Washington Healthplanfinder at www.wahealthplanfinder.org.  People qualify for help if their income is less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($45,960 for an individual and $94,200 for a family of four in 2013). If your income exceeds that threshold, you may wish to contact an insurance broker or agent directly.
Open enrollment for 2015 starts Nov. 15, 2014 and ends Feb. 15, 2015.