The open enrollment period for the Massachusetts Health Connector, the state-based health insurance marketplace, begins Nov. 1st and runs through Jan. 31st, 2016.

During open enrollment, individuals and families can change their current plan, and those who are uninsured can shop for and enroll in one of the plans offered through the Health Connector.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s Health Care Advocates in the Social Services Department, Maria Gutierrez (508-825-8256) and Kathy Butterworth (508-825-8387), are available to assist island residents with this process. Please call to schedule an appointment. 

For those who are satisfied with their current Health Connector plan, no action is necessary other than continuing to pay the monthly premium to prevent a gap in coverage. Packets recently mailed by the Health Connector will show current participants how much their plan will cost in the coming year and what changes have been made to the plan.

The Health Connector web site, MAhealthconnector.org, is also available to those who want to review plans, shop and enroll.