AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Maine residents are scrambling to sign up for plans on the health care exchange ahead of the first important deadline.
Assisters in Maine say they've seen a spike in requests for over-the-phone help and in-person appointments over the last week as residents rush to get enrolled by Monday.
December 15th is the last day to sign up for consumers who want their benefits to start Jan. 1, but the open enrollment period extends through February 15th.
Advocates say that Monday's deadline is particularly important for people who enrolled last year. If they do nothing, they'll be automatically re-enrolled in their same plan, but may face higher premiums. It will also be more difficult to switch plans if they decide they want to later.