Big changes are about to take place courtesy of the Affordable Care Act. You can begin signing up for new plans on the Healthcare Marketplace starting on October 1, with the new plans taking effect on January 1, 2014.
To prepare to enroll, you can learn about types of health coverage, research your questions, and figure out what you need to know before open enrollment begins.
Open enrollment starts October 1, 2013. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2014.
Sign up for email or text updates about the Marketplace. We'll let you know when there's important new information about the Marketplace, and we'll send timely reminders about important dates. You can also visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/healthcare.gov or follow @healthcare.gov on Twitter.
Learn about different types of health coverage. Through the Marketplace, you'll be able to choose a health plan that gives you the right balance of costs and coverage. You can be better prepared if you understand the types of coverage you'll choose from.
Make sure you understand how coverage works, including things like premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, and coinsurance. You'll want to consider these details while you're looking for health insurance.
Gather basic information about your household income. Most people using the Marketplace will qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. To find out how much savings you're eligible for, you'll need income information, like the kind you get on your W-2, current pay stubs, or your tax return. Use this checklist to get started.
Questions? Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) or visit https://www.healthcare.gov/