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Deadline Looms For Affordable Care Act Signup

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Don't delay. Enroll today.

That's the message Illinois officials are pushing before the March 31 deadline to sign up for a health insurance policy under the Affordable Care Act, known as Obama Care

The looming deadline has meant more walk-ins at places like the Mid Asian Health Association.

Starting next week, there will be extended hours from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays on openings on weekends, too.

Counselors across the city are working overtime.

New this week at the Thompson Center is table in the lobby. Here counselors help procrastinators like Aminn Stewart.

"I figure it was a sign to sit down and check it out and get it done," Stewart said.

There are 165 options, so don't wait until the last minute.

This is not a 20 minute deal. You should really leave yourself some time explore all your options.

If you miss the March deadline, it means you miss out on the chance to buy insurance under the Obama Care program.

You'll have to wait until November to sign up. And if you don't get any other kind of insurance in the meantime, you face a fine.

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