Covered California Reminding Consumers About Tax Penalties Ahead of Open Enrollment Deadline

Covered California is reminding consumers that they will face higher penalties next year if they fail to sign up for health insurance during the current open enrollment period, which ends Jan. 31. The average tax penalty for not having health coverage in 2016 will be $969 -- a 47% increase from 2015. Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee said, "We want to make sure everyone understands the new connection between health care and taxes," adding, "Consumers still have time to take action now, to avoid a significant penalty when they file their taxes next year and protect themselves if something goes wrong."

• "No Health Insurance? Californians Face Tax Bite of Up To $10,000 per Family" (Buck, Sacramento Bee, 1/13).