Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Act

The second sign-up season under the new health care law is underway, and President Barack Obama is urging consumers to go to the health care website and review their options. In South Carolina, consumers have more options this year. Assurant Health joins the exchange in addition to BlueCross BlueShield, its licensee BlueChoice, Coventry Healthcare and Consumer’s Choice. Officials say South Carolinians will pay slightly higher premiums in 2015. Overall, premiums are increasing by about 1%. For those who may not be able to pay for insurance, there are subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The deadline to enroll is Feb. 15. Those who do not get insurance this year will face stiffer penalties. The fine increased from 1% of income in 2014 to 2% of income in 2015. In order to be covered by Jan. 1, consumers need to enroll by Dec. 15.