The clock is ticking for Texans to sign up for health care under the federal Affordable Care Act.

As of today, there are a little more than 80 days left in the open enrollment period to sign up for coverage under the new law. Those who miss the March 31 deadline and remain uninsured could face a fine.

Its a deadline that Killeen resident Phyllis Jones is painfully aware of.

Its challenging, because a lot of people in Texas need health care, but they also have a lot of questions and are looking for information, Jones said.

Jones, who serves as education chairperson for the Texas State NAACP, is part of an effort to help educate Texans about the Affordable Care Act, and encourage them to enroll.

In December, Jones held an information session at Moss Rose Community Center in Killeen. She outlined the challenges of trying to get the information to those who need it most: uninsured and economically disadvantaged residents.

They need help, Jones said at the center. They need to be educated in the terms and language, and how coverage works.

21 percent uninsured

Jones said the NAACP has given similar presentations all over Texas, where roughly 24.6 percent of residents, or 6.2 million people, are uninsured. According to a June report from Seton Healthcare, Bell County has an uninsured rate of roughly 21 percent.

Jones said reaching the uninsured may take more than just information. She said people are more likely to sign up if they have someone to answer questions during the process.

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NAACP helps local residents sign up for health care