Healthcare deadline today, health providers work to help people - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Bijon Notash was someone who needed to sign up for a healthcare plan and finally did.  

"It's been awhile since I've had health insurance," says Bijon Notash, of Pepper Pike. 

But almost as soon as he got on, he found he couldn't complete the process.

"There were so many people on it, it stalled out, but I started it, so it registered," Notash said. 

At the very least getting registered into the system is what you need to do by the end of the day to avoid paying a tax penalty next year.

"At least make the effort to do it today-yes," says Adam Schlesinger of Bernard Health. 

At Bernard Health in Lyndhurst, the staff has been working to help people chose the best health care plan for themselves for years. Now, they're helping people meet this Obamacare deadline, but there doesn't seem to be much urgency today. They had one appointment here in the afternoon, but pretty quiet otherwise.

"It's been a pretty hectic last couple of months. I think it's winding down. I'm thinking most people are expecting things to be done and those that were going to make a decision have already made it. A lot of people are waiting until the last minute also."

But here's another problem: those that are scrambling to do something may have a problem - the official website was down for a good part of the day. 

You can register online by clicking HERE. If you prefer to sign up over the phone, call 1-800-318-2596. 

Like 19 Action News on Facebook for the latest news, weather, sports and giveaways.

Copyright 2014 WOIO. All rights reserved.