Deadline Looming To Buy Health Insurance To Avoid Fine

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Sunday is the last day to purchase health insurance on the federal marketplace to avoid paying a penalty.

Federal health officials say 90 percent of Florida consumers who signed-up were eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums.

Florida has led the nation with enrollments under President Obama's Affordable Care Act with more than 1.6 million buying a health plan. Nationally, roughly 8.8 million consumers have bought or renewed their insurance through healthcare.gov.

If consumers miss the January 31st enrollment deadline, they could have to wait another year to sign up for coverage and also risk paying a penalty of $695 or more when filing their federal income taxes.

Floridians can sign up online, over the phone at 1-800-318-2596, or at health centers across the state.

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