Last-Minute Health Insurance Shoppers Facing Deadline

CHICAGO (AP) — Last-minute health insurance shoppers are calling help lines and attending enrollment events Monday, a key deadline under the nation's new health law.

It's the last day for people in most states to enroll for coverage if they want it to begin on Jan. 1. A federal call center received more than 200,000 calls over the weekend.

Some people — like 34-year-old Kyle Eichenberger in suburban Chicago — are letting the date pass without making a decision. He says he wishes the system were more user-friendly.

In Florida, 59-year-old Ronald Bellingeri signed up Friday in 90 minutes with help from an enrollment counselor. The general contractor lost his health insurance nearly a decade ago when he could no longer afford it. He says having coverage again makes him feel great.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.