The open enrollment period is currently active for individuals needing to purchase or change their individual health insurance coverage, though the deadline is approaching.

The window for open enrollment will close on December 15th if people want to ensure their coverage becomes effective by January 1, 2019. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen encourages people looking for coverage to thoroughly research all of their options. Ommen says the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is still an option, though the number of carriers offered has been reduced to one, as Medica is the only insurance provider who didn’t leave the marketplace. He says many Iowans have been priced out of the market if they’re not eligible for federal subsidies, but adds that most people do qualify for help.

Ommen says there are other options that have recently become viable, such as coverage offered through the Iowa Farm Bureau, but he recommends anyone considering a route like that to seek input from a local insurance agent or his office before committing to anything. Before the December 15th deadline, Iowans are encouraged to visit Healthcare.gov for information regarding enrollment and to calculate applicable tax credits. The website is also the only official government site selling health insurance online, so Ommen advises buyers to beware of potential imitation sites.

Anyone needing help with finding local aid in navigating the health insurance landscape can click the link below.

https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#/