Open enrollment for health insurance on the Marketplace runs Nov. 1- Dec. 15.

Consumers have until Dec. 15 to renew their coverage or enroll in a plan in order for their coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2018, according to a Barry Eaton District Health Department news release.

 

There are five ways to apply:

1. Online at https://www.healthcare.gov/. If you are new to HealthCare.gov you will need to create an account. If you already have an account, just log in.

2. By phone. Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. You can ask a question, start or finish an application, have a customer service representative help you with an application, review your choices, and enroll in coverage.

3. In person with help from a Certified Application Counselor or Navigator. Assisters in your community with special Marketplace training can help you fill out an application and enroll.

Visit https://www.healthcare.gov and search by your city or ZIP code to see a list of local people and organizations who can help you apply, pick a plan, and enroll.

4. Through an agent or a broker, who will help you apply and enroll. (You pay no more with an agent or broker; however, some may sell only certain companies plans.)

5. By mail. Fill out and mail in a paper application. You’ll get eligibility results in the mail within 2 weeks. Create an online account or use the Marketplace Call Center to enroll. Download a paper application and instructions at https://www.healthcare.gov.

 

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) has Certified Application Counselors available who can help you fill out an application and enroll. If you would like in-person assistance, call (269) 945-9516 (Barry) or (517) 543-2430 (Eaton) to make an appointment.

 

BEDHD would also like to remind residents about the following:

· Anyone who already has coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan, Medicaid, or MIChild must renew at least every year; they can look for information in the mail from the Michigan Department of Human Services about renewal.

· Anyone with coverage through the Marketplace can keep their plan or shop for a new one.

· Renewal must take place between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15, so it’s important to not delay.

· Anyone lacking health insurance must get covered.

· Those who are uninsured should review options, check to see how much financial help is available, and choose the coverage that meets their needs and fits their budget.