Procrastinators, take note.

You have until midnight Monday to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

Minnesotans who fail to enroll in a plan will be locked out of insurance coverage until January, except under specific circumstances.

This includes plans sold on MNsure as well as through independent brokers and directly through private insurance carriers.

Those who qualify for public health plans that cover the poor can get coverage at any time. And anyone who is stuck in the queue trying to enroll when the deadline passes will eventually get coverage and will not face penalties, MNsure officials announced last week.

Certain "life events" could open the door for you to buy a new health plan during the year. These include such things as having a baby, getting married or divorced, changing jobs, or moving to a new state.

Missing the deadline also exposes you to a potential tax penalty of $95 for adults plus $47.50 for a child, or 1 percent of household income, whichever is higher.

And then there's the price for getting sick or hurt: You'll be socked with paying all of the medical bills.

Consumers can get help with enrollment and payment questions or find a broker or navigator by going to the website at mnsure.org or calling 1-855-3-MNSURE or 1-855-366-7873.

Jackie Crosby • 612-673-7335