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32 | I nsIgh t • A p r i l 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m "For many people, this is the first time they've had insurance or dealt with what a deductible or premium is, so there's a lot of education going on." – Pat r i c i a S a r ve l a , d e ve l o p m e nt d i re c to r fo r t h e Pa r t n e r s h i p Co m m u n i t y He a l t h Ce nte r i n Ap p l e to n i n s i g h t o n H e a l t H InSurance B y M a r y B e t h M a t z e k lthough Wisconsin residents are slow to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, there's been a strong grassroots campaign across the state to help consumers find the plan that's right for them. By the end of February, 71,400 state residents signed up for coverage under the ACA, according to federal data. at is far below the 277,000 expected by the government to sign up for health care on the exchange before the March 31 deadline. Enrollment numbers also point to a higher percentage of older people signing up for insurance, which could lead to increased costs for those on the exchange. e Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that unless 40 percent of total enrollees are between ages 18 and 34, premiums could increase for everyone since program costs will outpace premium revenue. At the end of February, 21 percent of enrollees in Wisconsin were in the 18- to 34-age range, compared with 25 percent nationwide. Uninsured residents had until March 31 to sign up for a plan. Aer that, they face a penalty, which will come on their 2014 tax return. e fine will be $95 per adult and $47.50 per child or 1 percent of your household income, whichever is greater. In 2015, that will increase to $325 per adult or 2 percent of income. Claire smith, a communications specialist with the Wisconsin Department of health services, says that while the ACA is a federal program – Wisconsin opted not to create its own exchange – the state has still been active recruiting people to sign up to get coverage. "We made it very local and grassroots," she says. "We figured the people in Florence County know best how to reach people in their community and share information about the different programs and encourage them to get coverage. e key is to connect people with care." Across Wisconsin, the state created 13 regional enrollment networks to help people sign up for health insurance. Many Wisconsin low-income residents were confused about whether they would be eligible for BadgerCare Plus or need to opt for a plan on the Racing to sign up Local organizations encourage people to purchase insurance A