---
title: The Real Deadline to Sign-Up for the Affordable Care Act
description: The Real Deadline to Sign-Up for the Affordable Care Act
image: https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-350976411-jpg/images/deadline.jpg
---

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# Medical Billing Blog

# The Real Deadline to Sign-Up for the Affordable Care Act

Posted by [Scott Shatzman](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/author/scott-shatzman) on Wed, Oct, 16, 2013 @ 10:10 AM

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## ![deadline](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-350976411-jpg/images/deadline.jpg?width=311&height=122&name=deadline.jpg)

## MBR Take-Aways

1. If you want your coverage to begin on January 1st, 2014, you must acquire insurance before Dec. 15.
2. February 15th, 2014 is the last day you can get coverage and avoid being liable for a penalty.
3. Open enrollment period actually will run until the end of Mar. 2014.

 

On October 1st, health exchanges opened nationwide to the general public. Right away it was apparent the system had many flaws that, unfortunately, were delaying the efforts of millions to acquire affordable health insurance. With people having so much trouble logging onto the websites to get coverage, it is understandable that some are starting to wonder how soon they will need to sign up for coverage to avoid the potential penalties under the Affordable Care Act.

 

Don’t Worry!

 

There are two important dates to keep in mind. The first is December 15th. If you want your coverage to begin on January 1st, 2014, you must acquire insurance before Dec. 15. It is important to note that the earliest date any plan (bought on the exchange) will take effect is January 1st.

 

The second date to keep in mind is February 15th, 2014. This is the last day you can get coverage and avoid being liable for a penalty. If you are not covered after February 15th, a penalty of $95 or one percent of your taxable income, whichever is bigger, will be issued.

 

The open enrollment period actually will run until the end of Mar. 2014, but if you wait until the very end you might still have to pay a month's worth of the penalty for not having coverage. That penalty would be assessed when you pay your 2014 taxes in Apr. 2015.

 

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