Affordable Care Act at a glance

Affordable Care Act at a glance

Consumers can start signing up for health coverage Sunday under the Affordable Care Act by visiting healthcare.gov, calling 800-318-2596 or seeking in-person assistance from an insurance agent or federally licensed, nonprofit "navigator."

KEY DATES

Designated shopping season: Starts Nov 1.

Ends: Jan. 31.

To ensure health benefits go into effect in 2016: Must purchase a plan before Dec. 15.

Uninsured fee: Flat fine for going uninsured is significantly more expensive. The fee in 2016 is $695 or 2.5 percent of your income. Last year, it was $325 or 2 percent of your income. To avoid the fine, enroll in health insurance before Jan. 31.

Premium rates: Increasing in Florida by an overall average of 9.5 percent.

Financial assistance: The government is required to help people with low and middle incomes pay for their health insurance. Last year, four out of five shoppers received financial assistance.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Affordable Care Act at a glance ."