Open-enrollment for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace began Nov. 1. To have coverage begin by Jan. 1, 2017, you must enroll by Dec. 15, though open enrollment does not end until Jan. 31, 2017. The Health Care Marketplace is the access point for applying for, and learning about, health insurance plans as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Whether uninsured or looking for different insurance, the Marketplace will guide persons or business owners through the various private health insurance plans.

The ACA ended pre-existing condition exclusions, keeps young adults covered, ended arbitrary withdrawals of insurance coverage and guarantees your right to appeal denial of payment. The ACA also ended lifetime limits on coverage, covers preventative care at no cost to you and removes insurance company barriers to emergency services; and insurance companies must now publicly justify any unreasonable rate increases.

All insurance plans will cover doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room care and prescriptions. Young adults are allowed to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26. Additionally, all insurance plans have to show the costs and what is covered in simple language with no fine print.

Not enrolled yet? You can still enroll online at healthcare.gov, in person, by mail or by phone at 1-800-318-2596. Here is a checklist for everything you’ll need to apply: https://marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/marketplace-application-checklist.pdf.

My office frequently helps constituents resolve health insurance issues, including connecting constituents with enrollment specialists or any materials they may need. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 266-9170 or sen.miller@legis.wisconsin.gov.