Looking to Buy Health Coverage? For a Jan. 1 Start, Buy by Monday

Are you planning to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s online marketplace? If you’d like coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014, you need to sign up by the end of the day Monday, Dec. 23.

To buy coverage in Pennsylvania, visit www.healthcare.gov, and select “Pennsylvania” from the drop-down menu. The site will guide you through your various options.

Consumers will have until Jan. 10, 2014, to make their first payment on plans that start Jan. 1, but they must be selected by Monday in order to ensure coverage.

if you’re not looking for a Jan. 1 start date on your coverage, you have until March 31, 2014, to make a selection. Policy start dates will then depend on when you purchase your coverage.