LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Department of Insurance is reminding the public about the fast-approaching deadline to buy a health insurance plan.

Individuals who want coverage to begin on Feb. 1 should purchase their policy on or before Friday. Those who buy policies after Friday can expect their policy to begin on March 1.

Department of Insurance Director Bruce Ramge says customers should shop around for a policy that fits their needs. People who forego insurance for the 2016 plan year could face a federal tax penalty of $695 per adult or 2.5 percent of their household income, whichever is higher.