Healthcare Enrollment Deadline Approaching Fast

When does the Healthcare Marketplace Open Period Enrollment end?

It depends. When do you want coverage to take effect?

Annual Open enrollment is happening now for ObamaCare Marketplace Health insurance plans. Open enrollment to enroll or make changes to your current Marketplace plan is Nov. 1, 2016 thru Jan. 31, 2017.

Important dates to know:

• Enroll by December 15, 2016 to enroll for a plan that will be effective on Jan. 1 , 2017.
• Enroll between December 16, 2016 and January 15, 2017 to have an effective date of February 1, 2017.
• If you enroll between January 16 and January 31, 2017 your effective date will be March 1, 2017.

Only exception to the rule is if you have an eligible Special Election Period due to variety of factors such as marriage, having a baby, move residence, getting released from jail, received eligible U.S. immigration status, or lost health coverage due to your plan ending or closing. Ask a local licensed Health insurance agent or healthcare.gov, or a agent to determine if you are eligible for Special Election enrollment status.

A lot of people are enrolling into ObamaCare Marketplace plans for 2017 and demand is very high in Central Florida. Experts recommend you do not wait until last day to get enrolled.

"We recommend you enroll sooner rather than later," says Greg Bohnert, Manager of the Mid-Florida Agencies office in Apopka. "Health insurance can be very complex and confusing. People should ask a local licensed health insurance agent for help. Check to make sure the agent is certified by the Marketplace to help you navigate thru all your choices."

"A local agent will have a better understanding about the nuances of each plan and networks," added Bohnert. "Agents that are not local will not be familiar with local plans and local networks."

Agents can also help you determine your eligibility for tax credit subsidies to offset the cost of monthly premiums depending on various factors such as household income, residence zip code, number of dependents, and ages of family members being covered.