Here's what you need to know:
- The deadline is Mar. 31 at midnight EDT for the states where the federal government is running the sign-up website; states running their own exchanges set their own deadlines.
- You can sign up online by going to HealthCare.gov or your state insurance exchange. If you don't know what your state marketplace is called, HealthCare.gov will direct you.
-You can call 1-800-318-2596 to sign up by phone or get help from an enrollment specialist.
- Check online for sign-up centers that may be open locally, offering in-person assistance.
- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is hosting Countdown to Coverage events from March 28-31 to help individuals enroll in an ACA-compliant health plan before the March 31 deadline.
To facilitate and complete the enrollment application, consumers should bring the following items for all family members they wish to enroll:
ENROLLMENT CENTER IN THE LOBBY OF 1901 MARKET
WHEN: Monday, March 31, 2014 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: IBC headquarters, 1901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
WHAT: IBC licensed sales agents on hand to answer questions and help consumers enroll in health coverage that is right for them and their families.
BALA CYNWYD SHOPPING CENTER
WHEN: Monday, March 31, 2014 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center, 175 E City Avenue, in Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
WHAT: The Independence Express, IBC's fully-equipped mobile education and retail sales center installed in a large tractor-trailer, will have licensed sales agents on hand to answer questions and help consumers enroll in health coverage that is right for them and their families. The Independence Express is ADA accessible and internet-enabled.
TELESALES CENTER- 1-855-ibx4you (1-855-429-4968)
WHEN: Monday, March 31, 2014 from 8 a.m. - midnight
WHAT: IBC licensed sales agents on hand to answer questions and help consumers enroll in health coverage that is right for them and their families.
-If you started an application by Monday but didn't finish, perhaps because of errors, missing information or website glitches, you can take advantage of a grace period. The government says it will accept paper applications until April 7 and take as much time as necessary to handle unfinished cases on HealthCare.gov.
-Be prepared for the possibility of long wait times.
