Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act requires all U.S. residents to have health insurance.

With this requirement, new federal health insurance options became available online Oct. 1. Individuals who are uninsured must sign up for health insurance either through the Health Insurance Marketplace or a private health insurance provider before March 31, or they will be charged a fee when they file their federal tax returns, said Maria Serafine, director of member services for Lone Star Circle of Care.

Many local organizations such as LSCC and CommUnityCare in Williamson County are available for help with enrollment and to provide information about the new federal health insurance plans.

"[The health insurance plans] are looking really affordable, so don't be afraid," Serafine said.

The HIM allows people to purchase health insurance and compare health plan options. Coverage includes essential health benefits such as ambulatory services, hospitalization, surgery, maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and preventive and wellness services. Insurance plans are divided into four categories—Bronze, Gold, Silver and Platinum—and pricing is based on household income and other factors such as family size and can include dental coverage.

Enrollment counselors at organizations such as LSCC are certified in helping with Medicare and Medicaid services, as well as being trained in how to assist people with the HIM, Serafine said.

"We're just really excited to help people," Serafine said. "We're ready."

LSCC assists whomever requests help with enrollment, regardless of whether a person is a current LSCC patient, LSCC Director of Communications Rebekah Haynes said. The organization also offers assistance for those who speak languages other than English.

Haynes said so far about 800 people were interviewed by LSCC in October to determine eligibility. Because of technical issues with the healthcare.gov website, Haynes said some people have had difficulty signing up online.