SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In Massachusetts, everyone is required to have health insurance, or you could face a tax penalty. Governor Healey looks to revisit right-to-shelter law The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law requires residents over the age of 18 in the state need to have health insurance coverage for the entire year. While more than 98% of Massachusetts residents are already covered by insurance, those who aren't now have nine days before the deadline. If they fail to comply, a penalty will be charges through their tax returns. Those penalties add up for each month someone doesn't comply, but there is a grace period that allows lapses in coverage of three or fewer consecutive months. The requirements of this law state that, whether or not you file a Massachusetts personal income tax return, anyone 18 years old or over must get and maintain creditable health insurance as long as it is considered affordable. If you are a child or dependent on an insurance plan, you can stay on that plan through your 26th birthday, or two years after losing dependent status, according to federal tax rules. The deadline of January 23rd is the deadline for open enrollment if you want to look into a new insurance plan or change or make tweaks to the plan you currently have. The Massachusetts Health Connector plan is the country's longest-running state-based marketplace, and now features a Connector Care plan. This plan lowers premiums and copays, and eliminates deductibles for eligible policy holders. However, this two-year pilot program does have an income limit, $75,300 for individuals and $156,000 for a family of four. Health Connector serves those who just moved to the state, work in the gig economy, or do not qualify for another type of insurance program. Health connector's navigators help Massachusetts residents select an insurance plan that is right for them, free of charge and at over 50 locations across the state. Local News Headlines Sentencing scheduled for West Springfield serial rapist Heath insurance deadline for Massachusetts residents approaching New England Patriots officially introduce Super Bowl Champion, Mike Vrabel, as next head coach Home surveillance camera captures Springfield car break-ins WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.