It has been roughly two weeks since the first batch of consumers who signed up for the Affordable Care Act have been able to use their insurance. And now, another deadline is approaching.
Consumers who signed up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act by Christmas saw their new benefits kick in Jan. 1.
There's no telling how many Illinois residents that is: the government hasn't released enrollment numbers for December. But insurers and so-called navigators, who are charged with helping people sign up, reported a last-minute rush.
Anyone who missed that deadline has until Wednesday - Jan. 15 - to get coverage beginning Feb. 1.
Kaitlyn Rowney, with Illinois arm of the non-profit group Get Covered America, says workers are spreading the word.
"Our outreach efforts are really focused on going where the consumers are. So we're in churches on Sunday, we're in grocery stores, public libraries, community centers."
Rowney says organizers are especially trying to promote the financial assistance that's available to help low-income individuals pay for a plan.
