Enrollment is underway in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace for coverage starting Jan. 1, and SEARHC is available to help people navigate the insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act.

A team of four specialists at SEARHC’s patient health benefits department in Sitka is taking calls and setting up appointments for anyone in Southeast Alaska who needs help signing up before the Dec. 15 application deadline.

“We have openings … so don’t hesitate to give us a call,” said Susan Briles, patient health benefits manager at SEARHC. “We will get you in and taken care of, but we’re getting busier and busier.”

The SEARHC patient health benefits department can answer questions over the phone and the service is free. Call 855-966-8684.

“It’s time for everyone who doesn’t have employer health insurance, employer-sponsored health insurance or health insurance through a spouse to sign up for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace,” Briles said.

Sign-ups are open through Jan. 15, but coverage would start Feb. 1, not Jan. 1, for those who apply after Dec. 15.

Briles said calls are off to a good start.

“There’s a little bit of trepidation because we don’t know what’s going on with the (federal) subsidies” for monthly health insurance premiums, she said.

Congressional Democrats want to continue the same level of subsidies, but the Republican majorities in the House and Senate have so far resisted. If Congress does not act to extend the enhanced subsidies, monthly premiums could increase by several hundred dollars a year for many people.

“We’re all waiting to see how that resolves,” Briles said. “But people know they need insurance, they’re coming in, they’re calling to get quotes, or they’re coming in and just buying health insurance.”

“I would just say if you are hesitant, give us a call, and let us give you an estimate,” she said.

The experts at SEARHC will ask for an estimate of your 2026 adjusted gross income. For those who are employed, it is your income before taxes are taken out. If you are self-employed, they will ask for your income after expenses.

“If you don’t know, ask your tax preparer, because they’ll know,” Briles said. She said subsidies are based on an applicant’s income.