Uninsured Minnesotans have chance to reduce penalty

The deadline for filing 2014 tax returns is Wednesday. Uninsured Minnesotans who are discovering they owe a penalty for not having health insurance last year can reduce penalties for 2015 by enrolling through the state insurance exchange before the end of April.

"What we're trying to do with this special enrollment period is allow Minnesotans the opportunity who didn't have coverage in 2014 to get coverage for 2015," said MNsure spokeswoman Jenni Bowring-McDonough.

Those who apply for coverage by April 15 will have polices in effect May 1, leaving them with four months of possible 2015 penalties. Coverage won't start until June for people who apply between April 16 and the end of the month, leaving them with five months of possible penalties.

The penalty for not having insurance this is year much higher than last year. It is two percent of income or $325 per adult — whichever is more.