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If you haven't signed up for health insurance, you may soon be getting a not-too-subtle nudge from the taxman. The IRS is sending personalized letters to millions of taxpayers who might be uninsured, reminding them that they could be on the hook for hundreds of dollars in fines under the federal health care law if they don't sign up soon through HealthCare.gov. It's an unusual role for a revenue-collection agency. (Alonso-Zaldivar, 1/14)

Most Minnesotans buying health insurance on the individual market will have to sign up for 2017 plans by Jan. 31, despite a plea from lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton. The idea for an extension came from Republican Rep. Greg Davids last October, and was embraced by Dayton as a “constructive solution.” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell denied Dayton’s request to extend open enrollment into February. In a letter to Dayton, Burwell said federal regulations fix that open enrollment period and don’t give flexibility for exceptions. (Montgomery, 1/13)

If both Republicans and Democrats agree that the state should pass $300 million in relief for Minnesotans struggling to pay their health insurance, why is it taking months to pass it? Part of the dispute reflects genuine disagreements about the best way to deliver 25 percent rebate checks to the roughly 120,000 Minnesotans facing soaring health insurance premiums on the individual market but not eligible for federal subsidies. Different options could get relief out faster or could let the state more closely direct the aid to the people who need it most. But a big part of it is a dispute over process. (Montgomery, 1/15)

The year is off to a bumpy start for Florida Blue as some of its members have taken to social media to air their grievances with missing payment information, not receiving their insurance ID cards, and having long waits on the phone for customer service. The nonprofit insurance company is the only provider in Florida to offer Affordable Care Act coverage in every county. (Miller, 1/13)