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The Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, has established two important deadlines that are fast approaching.
December 1, 2013, marks the last date by which you can sign up for health insurance and have it start January 1, 2014. The other deadline, March 31, 2014, marks the date that people will be fined for being uninsured, $95 or 1 percent income for every uninsured adult, and $47.50 for every uninsured child.
1. Answer the Following Questions
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Do you have health insurance? Are you planning on contacting a private insurance provider on your own? Do you want to pay the fine that rolls around in March? If the answer to these questions is “no,” then its time to get on board with ObamaCare.
2. Go to HealthCare.gov
I know, I know, HealthCare.gov does not have a great reputation these days. However, after a few “fixes,” the site seems to be running better. The website’s opening page is straightforward enough, and the on-site instructions will walk you through the initial registration.
3. Pick Your State & Sign Up
Your next step will be to enter your state. Don’t become confused. For some states, like New York, you will be directed to the NY State Health Department. This is normal and you can proceed as the directions instruct. If you select other states, like Pennsylvania for example, you will stay on healthcare.gov.
4. Don’t Be Discouraged
Insurance agents help people with information about policies that are available to them under the Affordable Care Act. (Getty)
If for some reason the website is not working, too confusing, or not responding, there are things you can do. The first thing you can do is click on the “Live Chat” tab on the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
If you’re fed up with the website, you can always sign up by phone 24/7. The Phone number is 1-800-318-2596.
5. Pick Your Plan
If you manage to create and account and register, congratulations. Now you can just browse through the market place for the plan and the cost that fits your needs and budget.
