The deadline to sign up for 2017 health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act is Tuesday.

  • Deadline to sign up for health insurance coverage is Tuesday
  • 1.6 million in Florida have enrolled during this open enrollment period
  • Health coverage requirement still in effect until law changes

About 11.5 million people nationally had signed up for coverage through the ACA's public exchanges as of the end of December. In Florida, more than 1.6 million have enrolled in coverage during this open enrollment period, according to Katie Vicsik, Florida executive director of Enroll America. Almost 90 percent of those are receiving financial help.

Despite Congress and the Trump administration's vow to do away with what has been dubbed "Obamacare," ACA officials want to stress that nothing has changed yet regarding coverage plans, prices or dates.

Republican lawmakers have said they want to "repeal and replace" Obamacare, but have not reached an agreement on a replacement.

That process could take some time — if news reports about GOP lawmakers discussions are any indication — so it is prudent to continue any plans to get insured.

Until ACA rules change, having health insurance or paying a penalty is still the law.

If you enroll in health coverage by Tuesday's ACA deadline, you will be able to use your coverage Wednesday, March 1, likely through the remainder of 2017, according to ACA administrators.

There is a tax penalty for being uninsured.

Anyone who enrolls in coverage by Tuesday, Jan. 31, will be able to use their coverage beginning on Wednesday, March 1, and they will likely be able to keep their coverage throughout 2017. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round.

For help in Florida, free, local in-person support is available through certified assisters who can answer questions about coverage and benefits.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.