Need to sign up for health care? Uber will get you there for free

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has partnered with Uber, a ride sharing company that allows people to request transportation from a smart phone application, and provide free rides to anyone who is in need of transportation to sign up for health care coverage.

The deadline to sign up for coverage through Health Insurance Marketplace is Sunday, January 31st.

By using the promo code "MKEHEALTH" on the Uber app, a coupon will apply to new customers only for a ride up to $20. Individuals in need of a ride to enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace can utilize the promotion for the final in-person assistance events this weekend, January 30th and 31st.

Since the open enrollment period began on November 1, nearly 8.8 million consumers across the U.S. have signed-up for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or had their coverage automatically renewed. The enrollment numbers for the Milwaukee metropolitan area show that Marketplace enrollment in Wisconsin is strong with 224,719 already enrolling, and 82,131 in Milwaukee.

If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a $695 fee or more. Meanwhile, most people can get coverage via the Health Insurance Marketplace for less than $75 a month after tax credits.

Individuals with questions about the Health Insurance Enrollment Marketplace are encouraged to visit www.healthcare.gov or call (800) 318-2596. For local assistance, area residents can dial 2-1-1 to be connected to an assister or an enrollment event in their area.