Healthcare Enroll-a-thon Encourages Locals to Get Covered
Service Employees International Union hoped to reach its goal to enroll 10,000 people for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act by the midnight deadline.
If people do not enroll by the deadline, they will have to pay 95 dollars or one percent of their income when they file their 2014 income taxes.
The penalty fee increases over time. In 2015, the mandate increases to two percent of an individual's income.
Four documents are needed to start the insurance application process: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of citizenship or naturalization, and proof of income.
Enrollees went through two stations: the first was a screening station where they were asked questions about their household income and family size. At the second station, certified enrollment counselors helped people sign up on the Covered California website.
A surge of people accessing the website caused it to slow down, but the SEIU said it will turn to paper applications if needed to ensure that everyone signs up. As long as people began the application process, they will have until April 15 to enroll.