Friday is deadline to sign up for Obamacare for 2018


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Friday is the last day for Illinois residents to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act signed into law under President Obama.
This year’s enrollment period, shorter than in past years, ends Dec. 15, s0 now is the time to sign up if you don’t have health insurance through your job or are covered under Medicaid or Medicare.

To see the individual plans available in Illinois, go to www.getcoveredillinois.gov. The website is updated, so you can look at all individual plans that are both on and off the exchange.

You can also call licensed agents at (866) 311-1119 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost should not be the only factor when selecting a plan. For example, look at a plan’s provider network by visiting getcoveredillinois.gov, which lets consumers search by ZIP code to find free local help available in Spanish and English.

Consumers can also use the “connector” to schedule in-person assistance appointments with navigators and certified application counselors. Throughout open enrollment, there will also be in-person assistance from licensed navigators available at numerous places, including the James R. Thompson Center in Downtown Chicago.

You can also try your doctor’s office. Many West Side local community health centers and hospitals also have people who can help you sign up for insurance.

For those covered by Medicaid, there are some changes for some Illinois patients. Some managed care organizations will no longer be operating next year, so you may be getting a letter soon regarding what your options will be to change to another plan. Make sure to confirm your doctor takes your Medicaid managed care insurance.

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