Florida

Health Czar Cancels Florida Visit as Insurance Deadline Nears

Obama's chief health official has cancelled her visit to South Florida as the deadline to sign up for health insurance nears.

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell was planning to visit a West Palm Beach enrollment location Thursday along with the mayor and local officials, but federal health officials said she was unable to attend due to travel complications.

Sunday is the last day to buy health insurance to avoid paying a penalty of $695 or more when filing federal income taxes.

Federal health officials say 90 percent of Florida consumers who signed-up were eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums.

Florida has led the nation with enrollments under President Obama's Affordable Care Act with more than 1.6 million buying a health plan.

Floridians can sign up at healthcare.gov, over the phone at 1-800-318-2596, or at health centers across the state.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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