Help available for navigating Marketplace

On Nov. 15 residents of Pennsylvania who are without health insurance will have the opportunity to enroll in a health-care plan through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

Created under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace is a resource where individuals, families and small businesses can learn about their health coverage options; compare health insurance plans based on costs, benefits and other important features; choose a plan; and enroll in coverage.

The marketplace also provides information on programs that help people with low to moderate income and resources pay for coverage.

This includes ways to save on the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs of coverage available through the marketplace, and information about other programs, including Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a unique opportunity for previously uninsured consumers, small businesses and others to shop for health insurance and compare plans at one location.

The next enrollment period runs from Nov. 15 to Feb. 15, with coverage beginning as early as Jan. 1.

To assist consumers in using the Health Insurance Marketplace, Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health have launched a website, "Health Insurance and You," designed to be a one-stop resource for information on the marketplace, the benefits of health insurance, a county-by-county listing of "patient navigators" and other resources.

The website can be accessed at extension.psu.edu/health/insurance.