We printed this Q&A column in today's edition (on Oct. 10, 2017) of The Lewiston Tribune.

Q: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now?

A: As you may have heard, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), was not repealed and is still the law of the land. So, you can still buy medical insurance on the Health Exchanges, but you must apply during “open enrollment” which is fast approaching. Here is the information you need:

ACA Health Exchange Annual Open Enrollment Period is from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2017. You may still qualify for premium subsidy (tax credits) and cost sharing (lowered deductibles and co-insurance) for an ACA Exchange medical plan. Individuals, small employers, employees, dependents, college students - anyone who relies on individual medical insurance coverage - must apply during open enrollment unless they are renewing existing coverage at a different time.

This is a much shorter time period than past years and it is the only time individuals can purchase new medical insurance on or off the Exchange. That means you only have 45 days to enroll in a new individual medical plan that is effective on Jan. 1, 2018. However, the Washington Exchange has extended open enrollment until Jan. 15, 2018 for a Feb. 1, 2018 effective date.

Get Local, No-Cost Assistance - Idaho and Washington residents are invited to contact ACA Exchange Certified Health Agents Dave Root or Tim Gleason at AMERICAN INSURANCE or by calling 208-746-9646.

• You can also read more of our Q&A columns published in the Tribune here.