The deadline for enrolling in health insurance through the marketplace is quickly approaching. And, 13 million individuals have until December 15th to sign up for coverage.

The marketplace, also known as the Health Insurance Exchange, is a platform created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This platform allows individuals and small businesses to compare and purchase health insurance plans. It is an important resource for those who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. It’s also a resource for those who cannot afford the high premiums and out-of-pocket costs associated with private insurance plans.

Open enrollment for the marketplace typically takes place between November and December each year. It is the only time when individuals can enroll in a plan without experiencing a qualifying life event (such as getting married, having a child, or losing employer-sponsored coverage).

This year, the enrollment period has been shortened. It will only last until December 15th. So, it is important that those who are in need of health insurance act quickly.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a health insurance plan through the marketplace. First, it is important to determine whether you are eligible for financial assistance. For example, are you eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of health insurance. This makes it more affordable for those with low or moderate incomes.

To determine your eligibility for financial assistance, you will need to provide information about your household size and income. You can do this by filling out an application on the marketplace website. Or, you can contact a local enrollment assistance center. 

Next, you will need to choose a health insurance plan that meets your needs.

There are four main types of plans available through the marketplace: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. These plans get categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide. Bronze plans offer the lowest level of coverage and platinum plans offer the highest.

In general, bronze plans have the lowest premiums but also have the highest out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays. On the other hand, platinum plans have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs.

It is important to carefully consider your healthcare needs when choosing a plan. If you have a chronic condition or take expensive medications, for example, you may want to consider a plan with a higher premium and lower out-of-pocket costs. On the other hand, if you are generally healthy and only visit the doctor occasionally, you may want to choose a plan with a lower premium and higher out-of-pocket costs.

Another important factor to consider is the plan’s provider network.

Most health insurance plans give a list of providers that they have negotiated lower rates with, and these providers get considered as “in-network”. If you see a provider who is not in the plan’s network, you may have to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost.

It is a good idea to check the provider network before enrolling in a plan. By doing so, you ensure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are included. You can typically find this information on the plan’s summary of benefits and coverage, which is available on the marketplace website.

Finally, it is important to remember that health insurance plans can change from year to year, so it is a good idea to review your plan annually to make sure it still meets your needs. If you already enrolled in a marketplace plan, you will receive a notice in the fall with information about any changes to your plan for the following year.

The deadline for enrolling in a health insurance plan through the marketplace is quickly approaching. It is important for those in need of coverage to act now. By taking the time to consider your healthcare needs and researching the available options, you can find a plan that meets your budget and provides the coverage you need.

If you are unsure about your options or have questions about the enrollment process, you can reach out to Healthedly for more information.

You can also contact your state’s insurance department for help with understanding your options and enrolling in a plan.

Enrolling in health insurance is an important step in taking care of your health and protecting yourself and your family from unexpected medical expenses. Don’t wait until it’s too late – now is the time to act and get the coverage you need.

Remember, the deadline for enrolling in a health insurance plan through the marketplace is December 15th. Don’t miss your chance to get the coverage you need – visit healthcare.gov today and start exploring your options.