The state's new law mandating health insurance coverage has spurred more than 300,000 people to sign up before the end-of-year deadline, officials said on Wednesday.

Of that number, about 160,000 have enrolled in subsidized products known as Commonwealth Care, which is offered through the state's Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority to people based on federal poverty level.

Another 70,000 people have been signed up for the state's Medicaid program. And more than 63,000 have obtained coverage in unsubsidized offered by the Connector known as Commonwealth Choice or through private insurers.

Choice enrollment must be completed and premium paid by Dec. 24, and Care plans are taking enrollees until Dec. 28. Private insurers are taking new customers through the end of the year.

Anyone without insurance beginning in Jan. 1 face the loss of their individual tax deductions -- around $200.

Penalties increase in 2008 to monthly fines worth up to half the premium cost of the most affordable insurance plan available.

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