Open Enrollment Kicks Off

The Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace opens for enrollment very soon. Americans seeking individual health insurance for themselves and their families are encouraged to visit Healthcare.gov to apply for coverage.

Most states elected to use the federal website, but some states did create their own health exchanges. All health exchange websites will allow users to browse different health insurance policies and apply for a subsidy.

With Open Enrollment, tens of millions of Americans can visit the federal or state exchange to shop for affordable health care coverage.

Since the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, the uninsured rate has dropped from 15.7% to 8.6% - a record low. In addition, more than 80% of Americans who get ACA coverage are eligible for tax subsidies to help them pay for increasingly high premiums.

Plans will come with a list of services and prices, but all plans will cover the same 10 essential health benefits. Under the ACA, no one can be turned away for a pre-existing condition.

Enrolling by deadline day ensures your new plan will start January 1st. If you are unable to access the Internet, you can call 1-800-318-2596 to apply.