In 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, intended to provide affordable health care options and increased access to high-quality medical care. Health care reform refers to the federal act and laws enacted by states to follow it. Those who did not have health insurance from their employer or another government program are now able to purchase insurance through the open market or the state's health insurance marketplace, Covered California, during open enrollment periods.

If you are currently insured in your employer's health plan and see a Sharp-affiliated physician, you do not need to do anything. Simply make sure the plan you choose during your annual benefits enrollment will continue your access to your Sharp-affiliated doctor. The best way to verify your coverage is to contact your insurance carrier directly.

If you are uninsured or purchase your own insurance, you may remain or become a Sharp patient by selecting a plan that is accepted by Sharp through the Covered California insurance marketplace.

The state of California established Covered California to help bring affordable health insurance options to the uninsured and individuals who buy their own coverage. Those who do not have health insurance from their employer or another government program can purchase insurance through Covered California. Depending on your household size and income, you may be eligible to receive a subsidy to help you pay for your insurance.

Legal residents of the state of California who purchase their own insurance or who are uninsured may shop for health care coverage through Covered California.

Open enrollment for health insurance plans through Covered California begins Oct. 15, 2018, and ends Jan. 15, 2019.

If you participate in your employer's health plan, simply renew your coverage for access to a Sharp-affiliated physician during your company's annual benefits enrollment period, which generally takes place during October and November. Check with your employer for exact dates.

If you have questions about covered services, copays or deductibles, please call your insurance company to confirm your coverage and to confirm that your Sharp-affiliated physician participates in its network.

If you currently see a Sharp-affiliated physician, continue your access to Sharp by renewing your existing health insurance plan during your plan's annual enrollment period.

Use our Find a Doctor tool to check what insurance plans your doctor's office accepts and confirm coverage with your insurance carrier to ensure you can continue seeing your Sharp-affiliated physician. Check with your agent or broker for details and any exceptions.

If you purchase your own insurance, simply verify that your selected insurance plan is accepted by Sharp-affiliated physicians.

If you are uninsured or qualify for financial assistance, you can remain or become a Sharp patient by selecting a plan through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace. Learn more about buying health insurance.

You may qualify for a Covered California plan with financial assistance, or free or low-cost Medi-Cal, depending on your household income and family size. Please refer to the eligibility criteria set by Covered California.

No. Seniors over the age of 65 who are on Medicare are not eligible to purchase insurance through Covered California. Learn more about Medicare and your options.

Search for a San Diego doctor or speak to a physician-referral nurse by calling 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm. Learn more about Sharp's own health insurance plan, Sharp Health Plan, which offers a variety of options for individuals and families.

If you need additional information about your health insurance coverage or how to receive care at Sharp, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.