Deadline for private health coverage is March 15

Minnesotans who want private health coverage starting April 1 have until 5 p.m. Saturday to enroll and pay for plans through the state's online health insurance marketplace, MNsure.

The March 15 deadline does not apply to government-sponsored health coverage such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.

Those who miss Saturday's deadline have until March 31 to obtain health coverage, which will take effect in May.

March 31 is also the deadline for most Americans to obtain health coverage or face a financial penalty of $95 or 1 percent of household income, whichever is greater.

After March 31, those who buy coverage on the individual market must wait until mid November to enroll, unless they experience a so-called life event such as having a child, getting married or divorced or losing a job.