Dec. 15 deadline pushes Americans to enroll in health insurance through ...

WDBJ 7

Americans need to enroll in health insurance by midnight tonight if you want it to kick in on January 1, 2015.

2014 coverage under the Affordable Care Act ends December 31.

Dozens spent the day at New Horizons Healthcare in Roanoke buying health insurance.

New Horizons has been offering free one-on-one help since November 15.

Organizers said it's been a lot easier to enroll through the online Marketplace compared to last year. However, there have been long wait times for people looking to enroll over the phone.

'It's a call center and you have 7 million enroll last year and you have 7 million enroll within a month time frame this year, so it is to be expected,' said Outreach Coordinator Lindsay Etherton. 'Still they are lower than they were last year and it's working much, much better than it was last year.'

Open enrollment doesn't end until February 15. If you wait until then, your coverage won't start until March 1, 2015.

If you or someone you know would like to meet with a New Horizon Insurance Enrollment Specialist, call 540-362-0360, ext. 115 or 112.

So far, New Horizons has helped more than 700 people enroll in health insurance through the ACA.