The deadline to sign up for health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace passed at the start of April, with some local residents finding the plans too expensive and opting instead to pay penalties for not having health insurance, according to Wheeling Health Right Executive Director Kathie Brown.

Coverage under Obamacare has been beneficial for those with incomes under 138 percent of the federal income levels, but can be costly for those earning more who then seek insurance in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Brown said.

"For those people who qualify for tax credits, it's awesome," she said. "Now when they need surgery (or other medical care) they can get it. There is not as much reimbursement as there is for regular insurance, but there is payment. Those over 138 percent, though, who don't qualify for tax credits are finding high deductibles and high co-pays. ... They couldn't make the decision to choose coverage through the Marketplace. They didn't think they could afford it because they have no tax credits, and some deductibles are as much as $6,500. Some made the decision to take the penalty, and wait until next year to see if plans are cheaper."

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