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Supreme Court clears the way for Republican-friendly Texas voting maps; In Twin Cities, riverfront development rules get on the same page; Boston College Prison Education Program expands to women's facility; NYS bill requires timely state reimbursement to nonprofits; Share Oregon holiday spirit by donating blood.

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Trump escalates rhetoric toward Somali Americans as his administration tightens immigration vetting, while Ohio blocks expanded child labor hours and seniors face a Sunday deadline to review Medicare coverage.

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Native American tribes are left out of a new federal Rural Health Transformation Program, cold temperatures are burdening rural residents with higher energy prices and Missouri archivists says documenting queer history in rural communities is critical amid ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.

Deadline Looms to Get Insured, Avoid Obamacare Penalties

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Monday, March 24, 2014   

BISMARCK, N.D. - Time is quickly running out for North Dakotans who are uninsured to get health coverage, or they will face possible penalties. Millions nationwide and thousands across the state have signed up since the health insurance marketplaces opened last fall.

However, Janis Cheney, state director, AARP North Dakota, said there are still many who don't have coverage.

"They should take a very close look at what is available under the health care law and check out their options. And to make sure that if they have a health care issue, they're going to be able to afford it - that it's not going to damage their financial future," Cheney said.

For those across the state without health insurance, one of the biggest barriers historically has been the cost, but Cheney says most of those eligible for Obamacare will also qualify for tax credits.

"In fact, more than 80 percent of those who have enrolled in North Dakota so far have been eligible for some assistance to help them pay for the cost of health insurance premiums. And for folks who are low income, under the ACA (Affordable Care Act), the Medicaid program may also be available to them and that could be at no cost, as well," she explained.

Information on possible subsidies, along with enrollment options, is available online at www.HealthCare.gov. The deadline to enroll in a marketplace plan for this year is one week from today, on March 31. Those who do not have health coverage could face possible penalties.

Individuals may be exempted from the requirement to buy insurance if they file a form and qualify (for example, if their previous plan was terminated and no affordable alternative plan is available). If they think insurance is unaffordable based on their projected income, they may be allowed to buy a policy for catastrophic coverage only. Information about exemptions is available at
www.healthcare.gov/exemptions/.

Enrollment is available by calling 800-318-2596 or visiting www.HealthCare.gov (English) or www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov (Spanish).

This story was produced with data and editorial assistance from NewsTaco, www.newstaco.com/.



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