Open Enrollment Now Underway

[gtxvideo vid=’MfT1kj40′ thumb=’http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/MfT1kj40.jpg’ vtitle=’Open Enrollment Now Underway’]

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Open enrollment is now underway for healthcare coverage. Experts say the plans will cost you more this year.

Some of you in Columbia could see an increase of as much as 29 percent for the Affordable Care Act’s silver benchmark plan. University of South Carolina clinical associate professor and economist Robert Hartwig explains the timing.

“We have seen a period since the ACA of somewhat slower healthcare increases, but they’ve actually begun to re-accelerate now as we’ve seen those imbalances in the pool, with the older and sicker people being those who predominantly use the resources,” he said.

Hartwig says when you choose a plan, keep in mind, what you can afford.