Several Quad City Organizations held a press conference Friday, November 14, 2014 to explain how they will be helping residents in the Quad Cities sign up or renew health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

Saturday, November 15 is the first day of the open enrollment period for 2015 health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The enrollment period runs through Sunday, February 15.

What we want to get across is that, not only is it important to enroll for insurance if you dont have it, but its also a time when you can compare what you do have to maybe some of the new plans that are coming out to see if somethings more affordable, said Linaka Kain, manager of marketplace exchange for UnityPoint Trinty.

Genesis Health System, UnityPoint Trinity, Community Health Care, The Project, Casa Guanajuato, Progressive Action for the Common Good and Eagle View Health all had representatives at the press conference. All the organizations will also offer in person navigators or certified application counselors to help people sign up for coverage and better understand the Affordable Care Act.

It is important to have health insurance because you, you know, we, were not able to think ahead and know when something is going to happen. So, its best that you take care of yourself and be proactive instead of reactive after somethings happened, said Kain.

In both Iowa and Illinois, people wanting to enroll for health care coverage can use the federal website, healthcare.gov. Illinois residents can also visit getcoveredillinois.gov.

Although the enrollment period runs through February 15, 2015, those who want coverage by January 1, 2015 need to enroll by December 15, 2014. If a person does not enroll for coverage by the February 15, 2015 deadline, they will likely not be able to buy the marketplace health insurance coverage for 2015 until the next enrollment period, according to healthcare.gov.

Those that do not have health insurance during the year 2015, may have to pay a fee. According to healthcare.gov, that fee would be 2% of a persons income or $365 per adult or $162.50 per kid, whichever is more.

If a person was enrolled in a 2014 marketplace plan, that benefit year ends December 31, 2014. To continue the plan in 2015, a person can renew their current health plan or choose a new one through the open enrollment period.

Below are a list of contacts in the Quad Cities who can help with the enrolling process:

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Open enrollment for 2015 health care coverage starts Saturday