On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law, increasing affordability of and access to health insurance coverage. The ACA holds insurance companies accountable to consumers, lowers costs across the health care system, and helps families attain comprehensive health insurance.

The Health Insurance Marketplace provides affordable, comprehensive health insurance to Floridians and Americans in all 50 states. On October 1, 2013, the Marketplace at www.Healthcare.Gov begins enrollment for health coverage.

So, what does this mean for you?

• If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you DO NOT need to apply for health insurance through the Marketplace. The Marketplace at www.Healthcare.Gov won’t affect your Medicare or Medicaid choices, and your benefits won’t be changing.
• If you don’t have insurance, you can buy affordable health coverage through the www.Healthcare.Gov, beginning today, until March 31, 2014. Depending on the date that you enroll, your coverage could begin as early as January 1, 2014.
• If you own a small business with fewer than 50 employees, the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) can help you determine the right coverage for your needs. A SHOP customer service representative is available to answer your small business questions at 1-800-706-7893, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

How do you shop for insurance on www.Healthcare.Gov?

• Create an account on www.HealthCare.Gov or www.CuidadodeSalud.Gov. Here, you’ll be able to compare available plans, and find out whether you are eligible for tax credits that will help you afford monthly premiums. 
• Live representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call 1-800-318-2596 for enrollment assistance.  
• Local representatives known as “navigators” will be available to assist you throughout the enrollment process. To find a navigator in your area, click here and enter your zip code.

Don't want to sign-up online? No problem. You can also apply:

• By Phone: call a customer service representative, who will walk you through the application and enrollment process at 1-800-318-2596. Customer service representatives can speak Spanish and English. 
• In Person: visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.Gov to find certified help from individuals and organizations in your area.
• By Mail: print an application here and drop it in the mail. 

Already, millions of Americans have benefitted from the ACA:  young adults can stay on their parents' insurance policies through age 26, seniors’ prescription drugs costs under Medicare (the “donut hole”) have decreased, and insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime dollar limits on essential health benefits. And now, the ACA is making health insurance even more affordable for you.