MHAC Helping State Residents meet Dec. 15 ACA Deadline

The first major deadline of the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period is Thursday, Dec. 15. Uninsured Mississippians who want to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace must enroll by this date if they want their new coverage to begin Jan. 1. For consumers who need to renew their coverage, Dec. 15 is the deadline to choose a plan so they do not experience any gap in coverage for the start of 2017.

To assist with the enrollment process, the Mississippi Health Access Collaborative (MHAC) provides free, factual, in-person enrollment assistance to help consumers understand options and enroll in coverage. MHAC is a grant-funded program through the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Social Work. USM Navigators are unbiased experts certified to explain options and help make the best coverage decision for individuals and their families. They can also help renew plans for consumers already insured through the Affordable Care Act, or choose a new plan.

Enrolling by Dec. 15 guarantees coverage begins Jan. 1, 2017; however, the open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will last three months, from Nov. 1 until Jan. 31, 2017. During this time, Mississippians are able to enter the marketplace and select a plan that fits their needs and budget. Consumers who currently have coverage through the Marketplace, or an individual plan outside the Marketplace, will continue to have an opportunity to shop the new options.

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act coverage options, contact a USM MHAC Navigator by calling 601.596.6859 or visiting www.usm.edu/mhac.