Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act ends Jan. 15

Act soon.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act ends Jan. 15.

The U.S. government developed the Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare," to help Americans access affordable health insurance through a health insurance marketplace. Americans can purchase federally regulated and subsidized health insurance in the marketplace during open enrollment.

"Everyone deserves access to affordable, quality health care coverage and services," according to www.healthcare.gov, the federal website intended to help people sign up.

The website has a link to help applicants search for a local agent or assister to help with the application process.

Once on that site, citizens can get a checklist that helps them walk through the process to enroll for coverage.

The checklist asks the enrollee to have his or her name, birth date and Social Security number ready.

The checklists also asks applicants to have other information available -- how many people are in the household, who is in the household, anyone listed as a dependent on tax documents, anyone younger than 21 who lives with you, and if it applies, your unmarried partner. Have your home and mailing address available. If anyone on your list has a different address, you'll need to have that available too.

If a professional (navigator, counselor, agent or broker) helps you complete the application, their information will be needed.

Any immigration documentation will be required.

You should be prepared to show any income and expenses, by showing wages reported on W-2 and pay stubs, tips, income from self-employment, unemployment compensation, Social Security payments (including disability), alimony, retirement income, rental income and other taxable income.

You may be asked to estimate your household income.

You will be asked if anyone in your household is enrolled in health coverage, including Medicaid, Medicare, Children's Health Insurance Program, VA health care or other insurance.

Aging Best -- the local Area Agency on Aging that covers 19 Central Missouri counties -- also offers assistance with enrollment for Obamacare.

"Many more Missourians may now be eligible for comprehensive health coverage, thanks to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act," an Aging Best news release said. "This is the perfect time for individuals to explore the options and make sure they are receiving all possible benefits."

To ask questions, call Aging Best at 1-800-369-5211 to schedule an appointment with a specialist.