How To Apply For Obamacare: Affordable Care Act Open-Enrollment Application Process Is Straightforward

American’s have until Jan. 1, 2017 to sign up for Obamacare. Open enrollment started on Nov. 1, but more than 100,000 people have already signed up for the health care coverage. The Obama administration announced a record-breaking number of people signed up for Obamacare plans following Donald Trump’s big win during the election in a tweet on Thursday and said that Wednesday was the “best day yet” for Obamacare.

Concern for health insurance options after Trump officially takes over may have been the driving force behind the wave of people enrolling in Obamacare on Wednesday, like the case of one woman in Tucson who told USA Today she was “horrified about the election results and extremely worried [about] what will happen” to her health care.

Although enrollment extensions have been offered in the past, people may not have that option since this is the fourth enrollment season under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) so those in need of health insurance in 2017 are encouraged to enroll soon. Applicants can easily enroll in various premium package online, over the phone, through mail or by getting in-person assistance.

HealthCare.gov’s enrollment process is not as complicated as it might seem.

Online Applications: Applying for Obamacare plans online may be the quickest and easiest method. After filling out a virtual application, applicants will be immediately directed to a list of premiums based on their eligibility. The online service will also direct qualifying applicants to services that can assist with premium costs and federal programs including Medicaid and CHIP. Users can browse the catalog of plans that are available in their area and then select whichever one best suits their needs.

Phone Applications: A 24-hour hotline will direct callers to a customer service representative who will fill out and submit the application. Once a caller provides the rep with all the necessary information, reps will be able to explain the available coverage plans and assist callers with choosing the best option.

Mail Applications: After printing out paper applications on the HealthCare.gov website, applicants can mail in their enrollment requests directly to the Department of Health and Human Services. Eligibility results may take up to two weeks to be returned, after which applicants will still have to go online or call the customer service center to choose an eligible plan in the premium marketplace.

In-person Assistance: Organizations have been established in cities across the map that will allow applicants to enroll in Obamacare with the help of a specialized ACA agent. Applicants can search their zip code on HealthGov.com’s website to find enrollment centers in their area. Health Care agents will be on hand at the center to help applicants enroll and choose the plan that best fits their needs.