Time is running out for consumers to sign up for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This Sunday, January 31, is the deadline to enroll in health insurance coverage taking effect March 1.
Since the Health Insurance Marketplace opened on November 1, more than 8.8 million consumers have signed up for healthcare coverage through the HealthCare.gov platform or had their coverage automatically renewed. Ascension continues to promote open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Many Ascension health ministries have hosted and participated in education and enrollment events in their communities, while others have set up websites or phone numbers to help people looking for coverage.
More work needs to be done to ensure those who continue to struggle without health insurance coverage are able to have access to the affordable healthcare they need. The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) last week stated that more than eight in 10 people who selected or were automatically enrolled in a 2016 plan through the Marketplace qualify for a tax credit, with an average value of $294 per month, to help pay for their health coverage. However, a recent report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute found that most individuals who are eligible for subsidies to help pay for healthcare insurance are not claiming them.
Here are key points to help consumers enroll in healthcare coverage:
- Financial help is available to lower monthly costs
- In-person enrollment help is available in every community
- Those who don’t enroll in coverage could face a fine of $695 per person or 2.5 percent of income – whichever is greater
As Ascension delivers on our Mission to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, we remain committed to 100 percent access and 100 percent coverage in the communities we serve.
