Christie criticizes Obamacare as application deadline looms

With the deadline to apply for health benefits under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, just a few hours away, New Jerseyans have more options including more health insurers and plans to choose from, but that doesn't necessarily mean a reduction in costs.

During the December edition of Townsquare Media's 'Ask The Governor' program on Monday, Gov. Chris Christie said the president's plan for health care "isn't working."

Despite an increase in available carriers, insurance premiums in some cases, could increase as much as 13 percent. In 2014, New Jersey had three insurance carriers that were providing coverage plans through Obamacare. Going into 2015, two additional carriers have been added. The hope was that  the Affordable Care Act would slow the rate increases.

"People are going to be enraged over this thing," Christie said during Ask The Governor. "The bad stuff hasn't even started yet."

The open enrollment period to get health coverage under Obamacare runs through Feb. 1, 2015. Free help is available in choosing the right plan and getting coverage is important. Those who don't have health care by the time the enrollment period closes will be fined at a rate of $325 or 2 percent of your income, whichever is higher.

To get more information or to get in-person assistance you can go to www.getcoveredamerica.org. Those who already have coverage are encouraged to look again at www.healthcare.gov and explore new options and different plans.