The deadline to enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Insurance Marketplace is tomorrow for those that want to make sure they are covered on January 1st. People can still sign up for coverage on the marketplace before December 31st, but anyone who signs up after Thursday may not have coverage until February or March. To enroll for insurance on the marketplace, go to healthcare.gov and view policies available in the area. There is a help tag on the website for people to use if they are confused about what plan is best for them, and it’s recommended people should do some research before committing to a plan.

In certain counties, selecting a plan is important because there is only one provider. Medica is the only insurance company providing coverage through the marketplace in all 99 Iowa counties. In Louisa, Iowa, Keokuk, and Jefferson Counties, it’s the sole option. There are several policies people can chose from through Medica, and they are a nonprofit provider. The marketplace provides low-cost insurance to people who are unable to get it through their workplace. The coverage is guaranteed, there are no health screenings, and often it can be obtained with government aid for those with lower incomes.