MILWAUKEE -- The penalties for not having health insurance in 2016 will be a much greater than 2015.
That's one reason there are two open houses Thursday, to learn more about signing up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
The two open houses will provide free, confidential help to shop for affordable health care coverage.
The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership estimates as many as 80,000 people in Milwaukee are uninsured.
But even if you think you'll stay healthy, the cost of not having insurance could cripple your wallet - $695 or 2.5 percent of your income - whichever is higher.
The deadline to sign up for coverage in 2016 is January 31, and in addition to paying a penalty on your taxes, there will be no extension beyond the deadline, unlike last year.
The two open houses will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- Aurora Family Service, 3200 Highland Blvd
- Walker's Point Community Clinic, 130 Bruce Street
