Tuesday is the deadline to sign up for state-subsidized health insurance in order to avoid a tax penalty next year.
In addition, 19- to 26-year-olds seeking to buy special discounted insurance must also make their purchase by Nov. 23. However, people seeking to buy private insurance have several more days to do so and still avoid the penalty.
All Massachusetts residents are required to have insurance by Dec. 31, if the state deems that coverage affordable. Those not insured will face the loss of their personal exemption, which costs taxpayers on average $219, when they file their 2007 state tax return.
People whose employers do not offer insurance and who have an annual income under 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $31,000 for a single person, are eligible for state subsidized insurance. But they must apply and pay any premium due by Tuesday to be covered for the month of December.
Applications can be filed through the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector (877-623-6765 or www.mahealthconnector.org); through many hospitals and health centers; or through the Health Care For All help line, 800-272-4232.
