GLENS FALLS — Adirondack Health Institute is offering free health insurance enrollment assistance services to individuals, families and small business owners in seven North Country counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington.

Open Enrollment for health insurance coverage through the NY State of Health Marketplace began on Nov. 1 for new enrollees and will start on Nov. 16 for those re-enrolling in a plan. Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 31, 2019. For those who wish to have their health insurance begin on Jan. 1, 2019, 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” Joyce Porter, AHI’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education program manager, said in a press release. “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.”

Individuals may call AHI’s toll-free number, 1-866-872-3740, or visit http://www.ahihealth.org/ease/appointment-request/ to schedule a no-cost appointment with an enrollment specialist.

AHI is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization licensed under the New York State Public Health Law as an Article 28 Central Services Facility. Formed in 1987, it is a joint venture of Adirondack Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, St. Lawrence Health System and the University of Vermont Health Network’s Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. Its mission is to improve access to health care services.