Deadline nears to purchase health insurance from the state

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island’s health insurance exchange says time is almost up to purchase coverage for 2018.

HealthSource RI says Sunday is the last day to choose and pay for a 2018 health plan through the exchange for residents who don’t receive affordable health coverage through an employer.

HealthSource RI said Friday that more than 32,000 people have signed up and many new enrollees are 18 to 34 years old.

Last year, about 30,000 people enrolled.

HealthSource RI says it wants to remind people they need to purchase insurance for 2018 to avoid a tax penalty.

The office in East Providence and the call center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Health insurance can also be purchased through the HealthSource RI website before the deadline.