Open enrollment for Idaho's state-run health insurance exchange, Your Health Idaho, began Nov. 15 and runs through Feb. 15.

Families shopping for coverage through YourHealthIdaho.org have several health and dental plans to choose from, and free sign-up assistance is available from Kootenai Health and Heritage Health.

"We have certified application counselors available to help match people with the right plan," said Pam Thompson, director of social services at Kootenai Health. "We even go a step further and will help to match people with a primary care physician and enroll children in CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)."

Heritage Health's team of certified enrollment counselors is in its second year of helping individuals and families navigate their options for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

"We have assembled an incredible team that can help answer questions that people will have as they work through their enrollment this year," said Mike Baker, Heritage Health CEO. "This team of certified enrollment counselors connects people to health coverage, a primary care doctor if needed, and additional resources to connect to benefits. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this incredible service."

Heritage is offering the free, local enrollment assistance in Kootenai and Shoshone counties.

A trained and licensed insurance agent can also help navigate the available options and application process.

Health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges, operate in every state. Your Health Idaho is Idaho's exchange. Residents can visit its website, www.yourhealthidaho.org, to apply for and enroll in coverage. Anyone with coverage through Medicare or an employer does not need to apply for coverage through Your Health Idaho.

The Idaho Department of Insurance advises that those who purchased health insurance through Your Health Idaho last year will be automatically enrolled in the same or a similar plan unless they select a different plan by Dec. 15.

Eligibility for subsidies depends on income and available policies. Either of these may have changed from last year.

Participants who do not complete new eligibility determinations may be responsible for repaying the difference between what they are currently receiving and what they should receive when they file their 2015 taxes.

For additional information visit YourHealthIdaho.org or the Idaho Department of Insurance, www.doi.idaho.gov.

For assistance at Kootenai Health, contact the Social Services team, (208) 625-5000.

To schedule an appointment with Heritage Health's enrollment counselors or ask questions about the Affordable Care Act, in Coeur d'Alene and Rathdrum, call (208) 620-5220; in Kellogg, call (208) 783-0770.