As veteran reporter Tom Sherwood said on Twitter, all the jokes about today being April Fools’ Day and DC primary election day have been made. So Happy April Fools’ Day, and we encourage those DC residents who are eligible to vote to do so. Remember, there is same-day registration for those who have recently moved to the city or have moved within the city. Polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight.
April 1 is an important date on the calendar for a third reason; it initially was the deadline to sign up for health coverage through Obamacare. But those who are eligible and haven’t finished signing up on www.dchealthlink.com have a reprieve. That’s right, District Dimers, we aren’t kidding around (we had to get one of these in!). DC residents who have started the process or need a little extra help now have until April 15.
Residents who miss the April 15 deadline are subject to the individual mandate — they will not have a chance to sign up for a health plan again until next 
fall and will also face a fine of $95 or 1 percent of their income, whichever is greater. That is why DC Health Link has set up enrollment events across the city to help residents get through the application and enrollment process.
There even are accommodations in place for residents who need to change their health plan after April 15. Life happens’people lose their jobs or get divorced, often losing the benefits available through their employer or spouse. That’s why there will be “special enrollment periods” for residents who have a change in life circumstances — a 60-day window after the change in circumstances to apply and enroll in a new health plan. A full list of qualifying events are listed in the box above.
DC Health Link is making it easier than ever to apply for and maintain health coverage. With a “no-wrong door” approach and a strong network of consumer assistance, affordable health insurance is within reach of every District resident.
To get more information, visit www.dchealthlink.com.
And go vote!
