Birmingham, tomorrow is the last day to sign up for Obamacare

The last day to sign up for Obamacare is tomorrow, December 15, 2017. We’ve answered all of your most important questions, from what you should know to how to enroll – check it out!

How do I apply for 2018 health insurance?

There are several ways to ensure you are covered through Obamacare in 2018:

Online. New to Healthcare.gov? Create an account.

Already have a 2017 plan? Log in to update your application, compare plans and renew or make changes for 2018.

Phone. A customer service representative will help you fill out an application, review and enroll you in coverage.

How: Contact the Marketplace call center. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except holidays).

In Person. Assisters in your community with special Marketplace training will help you fill out an application and enroll.

How: Enter your zip code for a list of groups and people near you.

What happens if you don’t enroll by December 15, 2017?

According to healthcare.gov, anyone who can afford health insurance but chooses not to buy it may be charged a fee called the individual shared responsibility payment. This penalty fee is calculated two different ways – as a percentage (2.5%) of your household income, and per person. You will pay whichever is higher.

This means you could pay up to $695 per adult, $347.50 per child under 18, and a maximum total of $2,085.

It also means that if you have not enrolled for Obamacare by midnight tomorrow, you will be unable to do so until next fall (2018), unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.

For a full list of penalties for not enrolling, click here.

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace/Marketplace coverage and who needs it?

The Health Insurance Marketplace/Marketplace coverage is a resource where individuals, families and small businesses can:

• Compare health insurance plans for coverage and affordability.
• Get answers to questions about healthcare insurance.
• Find out their eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
• Enroll in a health insurance plan that meets their needs.

It is for anyone who does not have insurance coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or other qualifying coverage.

What do Obamacare plans cover?

All plans cover:

• Essential health benefits
• Pre-existing conditions
• Preventative services

How quickly will I be covered if I enroll?

If you enroll for Obamacare by December 15, 2017, your coverage will begin on January 1, 2018.

What plans are there and how much do they cost?

Plans and costs are based on income. Before signing up, you can preview available plans and estimated prices.

Have you enrolled?