Federal health care enrollment deadline nears

(Information in the following story is from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – Health and insurance groups in Oklahoma are trying to reach out to uninsured residents as the deadline approaches for open enrollment in health care plans under the federal health care law.

March 31st is the final day for open enrollment until the next enrollment period begins November 15th. The law includes financial penalties for people who have no health insurance – but exempts some people. Those exempt include members of Indian tribes, people who don’t make enough to file taxes or those who would pay more than 8 percent of household income for coverage, and those who qualify for expanded Medicaid.

Oklahoma Primary Care Association deputy director Judy Grant told the Tulsa World that it’s been "an uphill battle" to get some to realize the benefits available.