With the 2016 open enrollment deadline for the Affordable Care Act approaching Jan. 31, time is running out for individuals who are still trying to navigate the complex health insurance marketplace in time to avoid penalties.

That is where Gateway to Care steps in. Founded in 2000, the nonprofit is dedicated to ensuring that each resident of the Greater Houston area has access to affordable health care.

“It can be overwhelming for people who have never had to navigate the health care insurance market before and are now being faced with these intimidating deadlines,” Executive Director Idonia Gardner said. “We want to show them that it can be done, and that it will help them.”

During its first two years, Gateway operated as a branch of the Harris County Department of Public Health and Environmental Services. From 2002-06, it was a department of the Harris County Hospital District.

Today, the nonprofit helps residents find out if they are eligible for health coverage and provides trained assistants to help with the enrollment process. Cy-Fair residents can schedule appointments at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, Houston Northwest Medical Center or Northwest Assistance Ministries.

The number of Texans with health insurance has increased by 20 percent since 2013 under federal health care reform. However, insured rates in Harris County still lag behind national rates, particularly for low-income individuals.

Those who do not sign up by Jan. 31 must wait until the next open enrollment period, which begins in the fall of 2016. Individuals experiencing special circumstances, such as job loss or birth of a child are given extra time to enroll, Gardner said.

Gateway’s broader mission involves building bridges within the community. Other programs involve connecting children to coverage, educating seniors and working with the Mexican consulate to reach immigrants.

Those interested in volunteering can call the office or email volunteer coordinator Lunetta Mitchell at [email protected] to learn more.

“Collaboration is vital to our mission of helping Harris County transition to a culture of health,” Gardner said. “Fortunately, we’ve had a lot of people step up from all over the community.”