Today is the deadline for marketplace coverage that begins Jan. 1

If you need health insurance for 2023, now is your last chance to sign up to get coverage beginning Jan. 1. Dec.15 is the deadline for open enrollment through Healthcare.gov. To sign up visit your local insurance agency who can help you or visit Healthcare.gov to apply. Swain County offers a couple other options if you need help signing up or need information on Medicare Part D. Linda Fitzsimmons is the Certified Application Counselor with Mountain Projects for Swain and Graham counties. Fitzsimmons provides information about all health insurance options and other healthcare resources in the community and helps clients apply through Healthcare Marketplace.

There are a few things you'll need to sign up with Fitzsimmons' help.

"They will need their family income, social security numbers, and they can set up an in person or phone appointment," she said.

Mountain Projects works out of the Bryson City United Methodist Church and Fitzsimmon's offers appointments to fit your schedule and as of Monday still had openings for appointments this week.

"For coverage starting Jan. 1 they will need to sign up by this Thursday but can still sign up by Jan. 15," Fitzsimmons said.

Certified Application Counselors with Mountain Projects do not work with Medicare, but Fitzsimmons said they can refer them to someone who can help with Medicare.

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in Swain County is through the NC Extension office and they have volunteers who assist with Medicare.

"The deadline for Medicare Part D sign ups has passed so people needing to enroll will have to wait until next year but if someone has coverage and need to make changes or have questions, they can make an appointment on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. until the new year," Melissa Vaugn, County Extension Administrative Assistant said.

You can contact Linda Fitzsimmons at 828-550-7908 and for questions about SHIIP contact the NC Cooperative Extension Office at 828-488-3848.