Most consumers want to push back enrollment deadline

The open enrollment period for signing up for a health plan is rapidly closing. However, if it were in Americans’ hands, they would lengthen the amount of time individuals have without incurring a financial penalty, according to a new survey performed by insurance benefits information firm HealthPocket.

More than half – 54 percent – of the approximately 1,130 adults who responded to the survey said the enrollment deadline should be extended to a date later in the year than March 31, the poll found.

Kev Coleman, head of research and data development at HealthPocket, noted that the public is still divided on whether another delay should be implemented.

“Controversy will likely to follow any decision around the deadline, whether to leave the March 31 deadline standing or to extend it,” said Coleman. “However, based on the HealthPocket’s survey results, it seems that an enrollment period extension enjoys more public support than retaining the existing deadline.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is attempting to amend the Affordable Care Act so that people aren’t penalized if they don’t have a plan in place by the end of March. However, House Resolution 4118 is something that the White House says will do more harm than good. It would increase premiums and make tax credits less available, according to a recently released statement.