People can start looking at coverage options now, at the marketplace website, HealthCare.gov. Federal health administrator Mary Wakefield said along with new shoppers, people with current Marketplace coverage should do some research, because their circumstances and coverage options can change.
Ohioans will have four more insurers’ plans to choose from this year than last.
Wakefield also touted a more streamlined application process.
"For many folks who are now going to enroll for the first time, historically, they may have had 76 screens to click through. Do you know how many they might have to click through this time? Well, about 16," she said.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said getting people covered is a city priority because health care impacts quality of life.
"We are in a health care mecca, with major health care institutions, but yet we still have people who do not have health insurance," he said. "And that just doesn’t make sense."
Enrollment starts Saturday and runs through February 15th. Anyone without insurance coverage after that deadline will face financial penalties.