Oklahoma's Obamacare Enrollment Slows As Deadline Nears

More than 8,200 Oklahomans signed up for "Obamacare" last month, fewer than in January or December, according to a report released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The addition brought Oklahoma's total enrollment to about 33,000 before the March 31 deadline to have coverage. The Obama administration estimates that only one in 20 uninsured and eligible Oklahomans have enrolled through the federal marketplace, healthcare.gov.

Meanwhile, 4.2 million Americans have selected a plan through the federal and state exchanges, according to the report.

Most people will be required to have health insurance in 2014 or they may have to pay a fine in 2015. There are exemptions for individuals who cannot afford insurance. The next open enrollment period begins November 15.

In Oklahoma, enrollment occurs through the federal health care exchange, healthcare.gov.

Oklahomans can dial 2-1-1 anytime with questions about the federal marketplace or to find assistance near them.