if you don't sign up for a plan by dec. 23rd you will not have coverage beginning jan. 1 2014. you can still sign up after that point but your coverage will not begin until the following month. for example you must sign up for a plan before jan. 15th for coverage to begin feb. 1st. if you sign up in late jan. your coverage will not begin until march 1st. if you do not have coverage by march 31 2014 you may be subject to a tax penalty.
what happens if one doesn't sign up for health insurance by december 23?