The University of Michigan Health System is helping cut through confusion surrounding the upcoming Affordable Care Act deadline.
Americans have until March 31 to enroll in a private health insurance plan or pay a penalty and be forced to wait until the next open enrollment period. That wont come until November. UMHS spokesperson Kara Gavin says enrollment in Michigan's own expanded Medicaid program does not begin until April 1.
"You won't be penalized if you sign up for Medicaid in April or after," Gavin said. "It's only if you're not eligible for Medicaid that you start looking at possible penalties."
UMHS counselors are offering face-to-face meetings to help anyone in need and will help them find and enroll in suitable health plans. Gavin says they have helped thousands in the past few months.