Last day to enroll for health insurance

Before the April 15 deadline to submit tax returns, there's another important deadline every year to mark on your calendar: Feb. 15.
Those without health insurance coverage through their employment or a spouse's employment have until Sunday to enroll in Get Covered Illinois.
The state's Affordable Care Act health insurance market has new plans available, according to Betty Coonrod, Affordable Care Act program manager for an eight-county region including McDonough, Adams, Pike, Hancock, Mason, Fulton, Schuyler and Brown.
"It's been about what I've expected," Coonrod said of enrollment. "We've been able to help a lot of people who had plans last year and wanted a new one. Depending on the region, there's anywhere from five to 20 additional plans. That is why most people will switch."
Get Covered Illinois counselor Janet Kent is available for one-on-one help at the McDonough County Health Department, 505 E. Jackson St.
Kent says she's helped 27 McDonough County residents and 23 Hancock County residents enroll in Get Covered Illinois since she started her job on Dec. 8.
According to Get Covered Illinois, more than 800,000 Illinoisans have received health care coverage through the organization.
Residents without coverage who do not choose a health plan by Feb. 15 may have to pay a penalty of $325 or 2 percent of their taxable income, whichever is greater, on their 2015 taxes.
Get Covered Illinois does provide for an extension due to certain circumstances such as job loss, but the majority to those who miss the Feb. 15 deadline must until October for the next enrollment period.
The tax credit for those who do select a plan through Get Covered Illinois is based on income and family size, according to Coonrod.
Those who are preparing to enroll in Get Covered Illinois should have ready their social security number, employer or income information, and tax information from a document such as a W-2 form.
For more information and to enroll in Get Covered Illinois, visit www. getcoveredillinois.gov or call the Get Covered Illinois Help Desk at 866-311-1119 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all week.
To reach Janet Kent, call the McDonough County Health Department at 309-837-9951, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday./mcdonoughvoice.com/