The Affordable Care Act (ACA / Obama Care) enrollment deadline date is January 15, 2016 at 11:59 Pacific Time.  The broader deadline to avoid paying a fine for not having health insurance is January 31, 2016. Although you’re not required to sign up, if you don’t, you’re subject to a fine. Depending on your circumstances and income, penalties can range from several hundred dollars to more than $1000.

If you’ve already enrolled, and you’ve done so before December 17, 2015, your coverage is effective January 1, 2016.

Having Trouble Deciding Which Healthcare Plan to Choose?

If you’re like many people, you have put off enrolling in health insurance because you’re not sure what to choose or how to work your way through the Healthcare.gov website. We can help.

Remember, the Healthcare.gov website is for people who don’t have medical insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source. This means that you are able to explore your options through an insurance carrier or an insurance agent.

The assistance of an experienced professional can simplify the process for you. You will be able to compare plans, costs, and decide which plan is best for you and your family.

Health Insurance – Some Factors to Consider

• What does the plan cover? – Find out if the plan covers services such as doctor’s visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, physical therapy, emergency care, orthopedic services, and other care you need or expect to need.
• Which providers can you see? – Many plans require you to go certain doctors or hospitals. If you go to a medical provider outside of the plan’s network of doctors, you will have greater out-of-pocket costs. Or you may be responsible for the entire costs.
• What are your co-pays and deductibles? – Determine how much you will have to pay for doctors visits, prescriptions, and other care. Will you have to pay a certain amount of medical expenses on your own before the plan starts to provide benefits?
• What about out-of-state care? – If you travel out of the state or out of the country, find out what your plan will pay if you need medical care.

There is a lot to consider, but an insurance professional can help you understand your options. Get assistance now to avoid ACA/Obama Care penalties for failure to enroll.

This post is sponsored by Hunt Insurance of Raleigh, NC.