On Feb. 15, the Health Insurance Marketplace closes for 2015. Eligible Madison County residents who don’t enroll in a qualified health plan by this date may miss out on coverage for the year as well as face penalties at tax time, putting both their physical and financial health at risk. 

Whether a resident is enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for 2015, Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) makes signing up simple. Together with Get Covered Illinois, the state’s official Health Insurance Marketplace, SIHF will host a free daylong enrollment event on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Gateway Center in Collinsville, giving procrastinators one last chance at securing coverage for 2015. 

During the event, SIHF’s Health Insurance Navigators will determine if individuals qualify for low-cost insurance through the Affordable Care Act or for no-cost state-sponsored health coverage. If they do, Navigators will walk them step-by-step through the enrollment process and verify if price breaks or tax credits are available to assist with any costs. 

To enroll, attendees are asked to bring a valid photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence, Social Security number, and income verification. The service is free to all Illinois residents.

For more information, call 618-397-3303.