For those without health insurance, Tuesday marked the opening of the Health Insurance Marketplace and the beginning of open enrollment, which goes through March 31, 2014.
The marketplace on HealthCare.gov — not a private insurance company or government-run health plan — is where individuals, families and small businesses can compare health insurance options, find out whether they qualify for assistance and apply for coverage.
Go to HealthCare.gov and create an account to get started. You can find information about pre-existing conditions, what you need to know if you are a small business owner, and learn whether you qualify for discounts. HealthCare.gov also has toll-free help lines and 24-7 live chats in English and Spanish.
A licensed Healthcare Exchange certified agent will help for free from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the library. More dates will be added if necessary.
Call Cherie Meguess, 433-9996 ext. 109 or toll-free, 866-916-7705 for more details.
Are you new to Medicare or need help understanding your Medicare options during open enrollment? Local insurance agent Eric Riggenbach will provide information on available options so you can make an informed decision. He will be available 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Nov. 6 at the library. Space is limited; call 862-8082 to reserve a seat.
Marie Garcia is the Crestview Public Library's assistant library director.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Agent available to help you understand the Health Insurance Marketplace