Unlike tax season, where individuals can file for an extension, consumers who wish to avoid the fine for lack of coverage in 2016 have only a few days left to sign up under the Affordable Care Act. A handful of events are scheduled in the Milwaukee area – including Saturday and Sunday – where ‘last-minute’ enrollees can get free, in-person help signing up.

After January 31st, a person will likely need to wait until next November for another chance to sign up. Only certain qualifying life events, like loosing employer coverage, or adding a child or spouse, will allow for enrollment during the rest of the year.

The penalty for not having health insurance in 2016 is $695 per person or 2.5% of household income, whichever is more.

Covering Wisconsin, the region’s federally designated enrollment Navigator organization, the City of Milwaukee Health Department, and others in the Milwaukee Enrollment Network are making extra efforts to assist all those who need help in the final week of this open enrollment period. Consumers should dial 2-1-1 to find enrollment help in their community.

The public may drop in at any of the following five enrollment events available in the city of Milwaukee, but are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 414-270-4677.

Mon. Jan. 25: 4 – 7 pm, Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond Du Lac Ave.

Tues. Jan. 26: 4:30 – 7:30 pm, Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.

Fri. Jan. 29: 1:30 – 5:30 pm, Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.

Sat. Jan. 30: 10 am – 4:00 pm, Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St.

Sun. Jan. 31: 10 am – 4:00 pm, Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St.

Consumers should be prepared when signing up for healthcare coverage. Whether attending an enrollment event, visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596, they should have the following information about themselves and their household:

• social security numbers or document numbers for immigrants
• employer and income information for every person in the home who needs coverage
  (from pay stubs or W-2 forms)
• policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of the
  household

Adults with income below 100% of the federal poverty level ($11,670 per year for an individual) and children and pregnant women in households with income under 300% of the poverty level ($71,550 for a family of 4), may enroll anytime in BadgerCare Plus.