MICHIGAN — With just under two weeks to go before the Dec. 15 deadline guaranteeing Jan. 1 health plan coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are encouraging consumers to enroll now in a health plan before call volumes and wait times increase later this month. Consumers have until Feb. 15, 2015 to enroll for 2015 coverage and avoid an increased penalty of $325 per person or 2 percent of household income. Health plan advisors can be reached by calling 855.237.3501. 

Key consumer considerations for 2015 include:

• The penalty for not purchasing insurance increased.  Tax penalty increases to $325 or 2 percent of household income – whichever is greater. That’s a lot to pay to not have health and financial protection.

• The enrollment period is only three months – half as long as last year. This shorter enrollment period makes it even more important for people to start looking at their options now.