The public is confused about ObamaCare because the administration is “burying” important details, a Republican senator charged Thursday.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), the top Republican on the Senate health committee, criticized the administration's handling of ObamaCare regulations, noting that some were released through informal channels, while others had to be unearthed by reporters. 

“This law is about as clear as mud,” Alexander said. “And instead of helping Americans understand their new obligations, the Obama administration has been burying important changes — not announcing them boldly, as you’d expect an administration that’s proud of its new healthcare law to do.” 

His remarks come on the heels of an Associated Press story reporting that uninsured individuals must arrange health coverage by mid-February to avoid paying a penalty — about six weeks sooner than the oft-cited March 31 deadline. 

The earlier date reflects the time needed to process applications for health insurance, and takes into consideration that most policies begin on the first of the month. Thus, to be covered on March 31, one would need to send in their application materials around Valentine’s Day and have coverage begin March 1, according to the AP. 

Alexander also pointed to the administration’s surprise decision to delay for a year the law’s employer mandate, which requires companies with 50 or more workers to offer coverage or pay a penalty. 

The delay was announced via a post on an Obama administration's blog. 

The revelation that the government wouldn’t immediately be able to verify some applicant claims for insurance exchange subsidies was “buried” in the Federal Register, until The Washington Post reported it in July, Alexander said. 

Alexander is the ranking GOP member of the Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.