BAKERSFIELD, CA — Today is the last day to enroll in a healthcare plan through Covered California.

If you want to be insured by February 1, sign up for a healthcare plan today onlineor through the phone at 661- 632-5018.

On the heels of federal change, this will be the first year Covered California doesn't charge a fine for residents who are not enrolled. This gives many residents the option to have no healthcare at all.

According to a representative from Dignity Health, Marisol Guillen, choosing to be without a healthcare option would make the emergency room your only source of medical consultation.

“Research shows 85% of California latinos prefer to choose their own doctor instead of the one provided by their healthcare plan, but more than half choose their health plan first and then their doctor so they’re forced to go to the doctor within their network,” said Guillen.

Currently, 1.1 million Californians have not enrolled in a healthcare plan.

“I know in the past covered california has extended their deadline but only to those who have started their application," said Guillen.