Open Enrollment For Health Care Begins Today
Evanston, IL – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today reminded people across Illinois that open enrollment begins today, November 1, for people seeking health care coverage or looking to change their current insurance plan. By visiting HealthCare.gov and CuidadodeSalud.gov, or by calling 1-800-318-2596, Illinois residents can review their options and enroll in coverage that will begin on January 1st, 2020. Despite the Trump Administration's constant efforts to sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and outreach efforts, the marketplace is still strong and open enrollment is an important time for people to shop their options in order to save money and better meet their health care needs.
"The Affordable Care Act is alive and well! From today until December 15, you have the opportunity to enroll in a new plan or change your health care coverage," said Congresswoman Schakowsky. "Visit HealthCare.Gov to review your coverage options for yourself and your family in order to find a comprehensive, affordable plan that covers pre-existing conditions and offers essential health benefits. You can also use GetCovered.Illinois.Gov to find out about financial help to reduce the cost of coverage and find a plan that fits your budget before enrolling through HealthCare.Gov."
In Illinois, 61 percent of current marketplace consumers will have plans available for 2020 that cost less than $75 per month after tax credits. More than eight out of 10 marketplace enrollees in IL received premium tax credits to help them pay for their 2019 coverage. In addition, over 41 percent of IL marketplace enrollees also qualified for cost-sharing reductions in 2019, which lowered their out-of-pocket costs for health care services.
Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, a multitude of "junk plans" will be available due to the Trump Administration's efforts to loosen regulations and chip away at the ACA's consumer protections for preexisting conditions and essential health benefits. These "junk plans," officially known as short-term, limited-duration insurance plans, pose a huge financial risk to consumers.
Selecting your health insurance can be confusing, but free, local in-person help in Illinois is available. Find someone to help you navigate the enrollment process by visiting GetCovered.Illinois.Gov.
Last month, Congresswoman Schakowsky was joined by her colleagues Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia (IL-04), and patient advocate Peter Morley, to record a message reminding Illinoisans about Open Enrollment. The video is available HERE.
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