The days are getting shorter and so is the time between now and when you can enroll in next year’s health plans.

If this seems daunting, fear not. We have some basic information and resources to get you started.

Important dates

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1. You can enroll, re-enroll, or change your insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace online, by phone, or through the mail.

Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll or change plans in order for your coverage to start on Jan. 1 of the new year, though you can still enroll or change plans through Jan. 31 for a later coverage start date.

After Jan. 31, you can only enroll or change plans if you have certain life events that qualify you for a special enrollment period.

Vital information

Before seeking additional help, have the following basic household information ready for those seeking coverage, if available:

•  Passport/I-94 form
•  Social Security number and birthdate
•  Employer and income information
•  Any self-employment deductions
•  Federal tax information
•  Policy number(s) and plan name(s) of current health insurance

HealthCare.gov has a complete checklist to make sure you are ready to apply for coverage.

How to get help

By phone:

Call the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596 (TTY: 855-889-4325). The phone line is available 24/7, except Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

In-person local help:

Salem Health often partners with other organizations to provide information sessions for specific enrollment situations. Check out the events tab of the Salem Health Facebook page to see what’s coming up. Past events have included one for Micronesian, Marshallese and Palauan citizens who entered the U.S. under Compact of Free Association and another for those interested in the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).

Use the State of Oregon’s local help tool to find regional experts who can assist you.

1. Insurance agents can offer advice about which plans may be best for you, and they can help you enroll.
2. Community partners can assist with enrollment, but they cannot give advice about health care plans.
3. Some resources offer individual assistance, small group help sessions, or aid in languages other than English.

More information is available at www.healthcare.oregon.gov.