by Rudy Herndon Staff Writer Moab Times Independent

The looming date marks the end of the current open enrollment period under the new Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace at http://www.healthcare.gov. Its also the last chance this year that consumers will have to qualify for direct federal subsidies, which can lower their overall health insurance costs, depending on their annual income levels.

If youre going to receive a subsidy ... time is of the essence, Moab Regional Hospital Marketing and Communications Director Jen Sadoff said.

Fortunately, free help is readily available for local residents who want to find the best deals out there, yet may have trouble navigating the new marketplace on their own.

Moab Regional Hospital and the Moab Free Health Clinic recently teamed up to raise awareness about the options that are offered through marketplace, and to guide residents through the application process.

Interest to date has been strong especially among older and middle-aged residents, according to Moab Free Health Clinic Executive Director Allyson OConnor. But OConnor and Sadoff are encouraging younger people and anyone else who needs health insurance to take advantage of the services theyre offering at no cost.

The plans can be complex, OConnor said. Thats the value of going to either a certified application counselor at the hospital or the free health clinic, or going to a commercial insurance representative.

OConnor estimated that 60 percent of the free health clinics patients will qualify for some type of subsidy.

The best deals may be available to individuals who earn between $11,500 and $17,000 a year, according to Charlie Kulander, who serves as a certified application counselor at the free health clinic. Similar bargains may be out there for a two-person household with an annual income of $23,000, or a four-person family with a combined income of $36,000 a year, Kulander said.

Theyre going to get an incredible deal where in some cases they will pay $0 for their deductible [out-of-pocket expenses], he said.

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Health care deadline to qualify for federal subsidy is March 31