1000 x 90

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Marketplace Begins Sunday, Nov. 1

health

By Jesse Wood

The open enrollment period for Obamacare begins on Sunday, Nov. 1 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 30. In order to have coverage by the beginning of the year, you must sign up for health insurance by Dec. 15.

Aside from the open enrollment date, the only other notable change from last year is the uninsured penalty, according to Alex Noriega, an outreach and eligibility specialist with High Country Community Health.

The penalty in 2016 for not having insurance increases (from $325 per adult and $162.50 per child and up to $975 per family or 2 percent of yearly income, whichever is greater, in 2015) to $695 per adult, $347.50 per child and up to $2,085 or 2.5 percent of yearly income, whichever is greater.

Click to www.healthcare.gov to peruse plans or for more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Enrollment assistance is offered by the High Country Community Health (828-737-7297-Watauga and 828-773-2471-Avery); the Watauga County Public Library (828-264-8784) and the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center at 828-265-8090.