GLENS FALLS — Adirondack Health Institute is offering free health insurance enrollment assistance services to individuals, families, and small business owners in eight North Country counties — Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington — during the upcoming open enrollment period.

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 for new enrollees and Nov. 16 for those reenrolling in a plan. It runs through Jan. 31.

For those who wish to have their health insurance coverage take effect on Jan. 1, the deadline to apply is Dec. 15.

“Our enrollment specialists provide no-cost, unbiased assistance to help clients determine their health insurance eligibility for Qualified Health Plans, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus” said Joyce Porter, AHI’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education (EASE) program manager. “Another option available is called the Essential Plan, a plan for lower-income New Yorkers who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus.

This plan costs much less than other plans — as little as $20 per month, and in some cases no cost at all — yet offers the same essential benefits for those who qualify.”

People may call AHI’s toll-free number at 866-872-3740 or visit www.ahihealth.org/ease/appointment-request/ to schedule a no-cost appointment with an EASE enrollment specialist.