As Congress battles over Obamacare, Mainers rush to sign up

Source: Bangor Daily News

Despite ongoing political uncertainties, Mainers appear to be signing up at a good clip for health insurance plans offered through the Affordable Care Act, as well as for subsidies that make those plans affordable.

The open enrollment period for the ACA, also called Obamacare, began on Nov. 1, as in years past. But this year, among other limits imposed on the ACA under the Trump administration, it closes two weeks sooner, on Dec. 15. After that, consumers must wait another year or meet special requirements to apply, such as a job loss, divorce or death.

Mainers who procrastinate could find themselves without any coverage or stuck in health plans they can’t afford or that don’t meet their needs. Free help is available for the asking, but the experts who provide it are booking up.

Consumers may also sign up directly, at H ealthcare.gov or through the websites of the organizations that offer ACA plans. In Maine this year, those organizations are Community Health Options and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

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Read more: http://bangordailynews.com/2017/11/22/health/as-congress-battles-over-obamacare-mainers-rush-to-sign-up/