Help available for navigating care coverage

It's time to think about health insurance.

There's a sentence many Americans will dread reading. Picking the right plan every year involves sifting through deductible, provider networks and other arcane terms that can quickly scramble the brain.

Do not worry, though, help is available. It just can be harder to find this fall.

Here are some points to consider as you decide what coverage you need for 2019.

Start soon

The sign-up period for next year's insurance coverage runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 in most states. Do not delay.

Picking a plan can be done just to understand options. Shoppers who want to stick with the same plan must voteize it for changes.

That can take time that many people can fill the calendar. If you opt for assistance, remember that agents and other insurance experts will meet the deadline. Plan early to make sure you get an appointment.

Why bother?

That 's a valid question, since the federal government has passed the Affordable Care Act.

That means you will not be fine for remaining uninsured. And if you do not sign up, you can avoid monthly bills that often exceed several hundred dollars.

But remaining uninsured exposes you to even bigger bills.

Broken bone can cost several thousand dollars to fix. More complex problems like cancer can ruin patients financially.

This is not an option through work. If you miss the Dec. 15 deadline, you can still find short-term coverage. But those plans may not cover prescriptions or medical conditions you already have.

Seeking help

You can buy coverage through state-run insurance marketplaces or the federal government's healthcare.gov website, but it might make sense to have an expert review your plan.

"We can look at the situation and recommend what's best for them based on who they are, how often they go to the doctor, what's their biggest concern," said agent Craig Gussin, of Carlsbad, Calif.

He'll help customers who want an affordable premium.

Brokers may also point out that the average shopper may not notice. Gussin noted that, starting next year, most of the plans to provide coverage of the state. That could be a problem for a shopper with a child away at college.

Having someone look at your plan makes sure you buy what you think you're buying. Says Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown's Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

Picking the right one

Independent insurance agents can help customers get out of business on ACA's marketplaces. Depending on the state, their advice may come with a fee or they may be paid on commission by insurers.

If you opt for an agent, ask about fees or whether they will vary depending on the plan they sell.

Health insurance navigators can help people sign up for ACA's marketplace or enroll in Medicaid coverage. Their services are free.

The number of navigators has dwindled due to funding cuts. In fact, no federally funded navigators will be available in Montana, Iowa or New Hampshire this fall, according to the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.

Other help can include certified application counselors, who also are free.

To find assistance, visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/.