The mistake many people make is that they do not elect to use an agent, a good agent. The healthcare.gov application requires people to estimate their annual income but it is not based on gross income, it is based on your AGI. In making this error, the program appears to not benefit them and they walk away feeling helpless, then walk away from using an agent, one who is afforded to them without ANY ADDITIONAL COST.

**Open enrollment is constantly changing. Contact your agent, Steve Poulos to learn more about current enrollment dates and options.

November 1: Open Enrollment starts for health coverage for the next plan year — first day you can enroll in, re-enroll in, or change health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.

Coverage can start as soon as January 1.

December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.

January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.

January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.

The Marketplace bases savings on your estimated income for the year you want coverage. Recognized sources of income include:

Wages and salaries, as reported on your W-2 form and pay stubs

• Tips
• Net income from any self-employment or business
• Unemployment compensation
• Social Security payments, including disability payments (but not Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Alimony
• Retirement or pension income, including most IRA or 401k withdrawals
• Investment income, like dividends or interest
• Rental income
• Other taxable income

Coverage is available at little to no cost. We will be able to give you a direct quote when we connect to see what plans you qualify for. It's not a sales pitch, really! There is just no good way to get an accurate number without getting a person on the phone to go over the nuts and bolts of their situation. There are many factors such as age, zip code, number of dependents, adjusted gross income, etc... We just have to work the numbers together.

Outside Open Enrollment, you can get health insurance only 2 ways:

• With a Special Enrollment Period. You can qualify if you lose job-based coverage, have a baby, get married, or have certain other life changes.
• Through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can apply any time through HealthCare.Gov and can enroll immediately if you’re eligible.

If you don’t qualify for either, you can apply for Marketplace coverage.

Plans and prices will be available for preview shortly before Open Enrollment starts.

Your savings depends on your expected household income for the year. We’ll tell you if your income’s in the saving range. You’ll find out exactly how much you’ll save when you apply.

When you apply, you’ll provide details about your household, your income, and any coverage you currently have.