From Access East Inc.

GREENVILLE — At present, nothing has changed to affect Affordable Care Act coverage for 2017, and the final day to enroll for this year remains Jan. 31.

Congress and President Donald Trump have taken steps to allow for repeal of the ACA, but the law itself is still very much in place.

Financial assistance in paying premiums is also still available, with nine out of 10 North Carolinians receiving this help paying for ACA coverage.

Health-insurance enrollment is an annual contract with the insurance company, and as long as consumers pay their premiums, the insurance remains in effect. That contract guarantees a set premium amount that must be paid each month, and certain benefits that will be paid for by the insurance company as spelled out in the plan itself.

For consumers seeking coverage, or with questions on ACA insurance and enrollment, the Greenville-based nonprofit Access East Inc. has eight certified marketplace navigators, or assisters, on staff to provide free, local in-person help across 27 eastern North Carolina counties. Assisters receive no commissions for aiding with enrollment, regardless of what insurance plan is chosen.

Assisters do everything from explaining how available plans work and helping people determine which plan best fits an individual or a family’s needs, to outlining an insurance seeker’s eligibility for federal subsidies to offset the cost of premiums and, in certain situations, the cost of care.

“Protect both your health and your wallet,” said Cheryl Hallock, navigator coordinator with Access East, “and join the 540,527 North Carolinians who have signed up for affordable coverage as of Jan. 14.”

Enrollment assisters are available in all 100 North Carolina counties. Consumers can call 1-855-733-3711 toll free or visit www.GCAConnector.org to schedule an appointment, or call the Access East ACA helpline at 252-847-3027.