There’s expected to be a mad dash of last-minute sign ups as the Feb. 15 deadline for enrolling in a Covered California health plan approaches.
Those who don’t have health insurance coverage by the deadline will face a tax penalty on next year’s return.
Exchange officials are confident about hitting their enrollment target.
Back in November, Covered California officials set a goal of getting 500,000 new enrollees. But as of Feb. 2, only about 289,000 people, including 28,000 San Diegans, had signed up for a health insurance plan.
Covered California’s Dana Howard said he’s not worried about it.
“I think that we’re on a good pace right now,” Howard said. “I think when it all washes out at the end, you are going to see us — if not right on that half-a-million mark — very close to it.”
There are a variety of enrollment events in San Diego this week. For example, enrollment counselors will be available at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoon.
Otherwise, free enrollment help is available throughout San Diego County, including at the La Maestra Family Clinic at 4060 Fairmount Ave.