Expert Ann: Important health insurance dates to remember

November 1, 2016: Open Enrollment starts. This is the first day you can enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2017 insurance plan. Coverage can start as early as January 1, 2017.

December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in a plan or change plans for coverage starting January 1, 2017.

January 1, 2017: New coverage starts for those that enrolled by December 15, 2016.

January 31, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change a 2017 health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Looking to save on health insurance in 2017? Get started to sign up before the December 15, 2016 deadline:

Please note, any changes to the current federal health care policy will take time to unfold. We strongly recommend that our members protect themselves for 2017 by selecting a new plan by December 15 for coverage to be effective on January 1st.

When you buy through Freelancers Union, the entire freelance community benefits – at no additional cost to you. We’ve got your back when it comes to insurance: no markups, no hidden fees, and we’ll even help you get the subsidies for which you qualify.

At Freelancers Union, we fight for better coverage options for freelancers every day. That’s why it is so important for us to stand together - so that we can be sure the next system provides affordable, quality care to the United States’ 55 million independent workers.