If you need help with the Idaho Health Insurance Marketplace set up for the uninsured or those who qualify for the subsidized program, help is on the way.

A "Your Health Idaho" representative will help people understand the affordable health care enrollment process at Community Library Network locations starting Tuesday.

Enrollment in the online marketplace - YourHealthIdaho.org - started on Tuesday this week and runs through March 31.

The state has determined that more than 14,000 uninsured residents in Kootenai County alone will qualify for a tax credit and therefore benefit from health care reform.

The library network is offering seven free enrollment sessions throughout the county. No registration is required.

"We offer these sessions because libraries are the first places people turn to when they need information," said Anne Abrams, library network spokeswoman. "Whether it's how to search the Internet or getting their tax forms or finding out where to vote, libraries are a trusted source."

She said staff will not be giving insurance coverage advice, however. That should be done through certified health insurance agents.

"As librarians we offer unbiased resources and it is up to people to decide if they want to use it," Abrams said. "Some people may choose to use our public computers or wireless access when they register through the health exchange."

The schedule of the sessions includes:

* Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Post Falls Library, 821 S. Spokane St.,773-1506;

* Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Athol Library, 30399 Third St.,683-2979;

* Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m., Rathdrum Library, 16780 W. Highway 41,687-1029;

* Thursday, Oct. 24, noon, Hayden Library, 8385 N. Government Way,772-5612;

* Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Spirit Lake Library, 32575 N. Fifth Ave, 623-5353;

* Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m., Hayden Library; and

* Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m., Hayden Library.

The marketplace has a Consumer Resource Center to help residents and small business owners shop, compare and choose the health insurance plans that best meet their needs.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is accessible by calling (855) 944-3246. Callers can be connected with agents, brokers or trained assistants who can help them understand the plans, rates, and types of premium assistance or cost-sharing options they may be eligible for.

In addition to answering calls, the center will accept questions through standard mail to P.O. Box 943, Boise, ID, 83701, and email to info@yourhealthidaho.org.

Heritage Health in Coeur d'Alene, formerly called the Dirne Clinic, has trained help available for the uninsured.

Also, free seminars on the marketplace will be held at the Lake City Center, 1916 N. Lakewood, Coeur d'Alene, on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 8 a.m. throughout October. Members of the Idaho Association of Health Underwriters will present information and be available for questions.

A YouTube video called "The Youtoons Get Ready for Obamacare" is also available.

As of Jan. 1, all individuals will be required to have "qualified" health insurance - or they'll face a fine from the Internal Revenue Service - and the marketplace will be another means to obtain such coverage. In 2014, if you're uninsured for three months, the penalty will be $95 per adult and $47.50 per child (up to $285 per family).

Coverage on plans purchased by Dec. 15 will take effect on Jan. 1. Plans purchased after Dec. 15 will take effect at a later date.

Your Health Idaho was established by state law to provide an online marketplace where Idaho families and small businesses can go to compare and purchase health insurance.

Info: www.yourhealthidaho.org