You need the health insurance, but you find the drama and expense  that goes with it exhausting and draining. It’s probably little comfort, but consider yourself a member of a big club.

If you signed up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, you must re-enroll. You can re-up with your current insurer or change companies.

If you didn’t sign up, you get the chance to do it now. 

Open enrollment starts November 15 and the Healthcare.gov website provides clearer information than it did this time last year.

IMPORTANT DATES

November 15, 2014 — The first day to apply for 2015 coverage.

December 15, 2014 — The last date to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2015.

December 31, 2014 —  All 2014 Marketplace coverage ends, no matter when you enrolled.

January 1, 2015 — 2015 coverage can start if you apply by December 15, 2014, or if you accept automatic enrollment in your 2014 plan or a similar plan.

February 15, 2015 — The last day to enroll in 2015 coverage. If you miss this deadline, you can’t sign up for a health plan inside or outside the Marketplace for the rest of 2015. The only exception is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you find yourself confused by the rules, the Kaiser Family Foundation makes things clearer in the video above that explains Obamacare and the ins and outs of the health insurance program.

We want to report about your experience with insurers. Please comment and let us know what’s happening.