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Time for North Carolinians To Sign Up for Health Coverage Through Marketplace

With the Marketplace Open Enrollment period beginning today, Nov. 1, now is the time for North Carolinians to sign up for health coverage. Affordable options still exist for North Carolinians from all walks of life, say advocates from the NC Justice Center’s Health Advocacy Project, and most will not notice any price changes from this past year.

Consumers have from November 1 until December 15 to choose a plan, which will go into effect on January 1, 2017. They can apply and shop for plans online at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596. Additional in-person assistance options are listed in the bullets below.

Although there has been substantial media focus on reduced competition among insurance companies and increasing premiums, Tar Heels will still have affordable options to choose from, advocates say. Financial assistance is available to lower the monthly cost of premiums.

“Most North Carolinians won’t notice any price increases, as financial assistance on the Marketplace will increase to keep up with any increases in premiums,” said Brendan Riley, Policy Analyst with the Health Advocacy Project. “More than 9 out of 10 people who enrolled in our state last year qualified for lower prices, so every North Carolinian should visit HealthCare.gov to learn about their options.”

“Every North Carolinian’s best bet is to shop around and find a plan that meets their needs,” Riley added. “Health insurance provides peace of mind, as enrollees enjoy access to necessary services, as well as protection against the unexpected. An accident or injury can happen at any time, and going uninsured exposes consumers to avoidable medical debt.”

APPLICANT DEADLINES:

Open Enrollment starts November 1

Consumers have until December 15 to choose a plan effective January 1

Consumers can still enroll in coverage for 2017 by January 31

IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE:

Free, expert in-person help is available from navigators and federally-qualified community health centers

Appointments can be scheduled through the NC Navigator hotline at 1-855-733-3711

The Get Covered Connector allows applicants to book an appointment online

*Release from N.C. Justice Center