Release: Get America Covered Celebrates Anniversary and Expansion of Affordable Care Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2021
PRESS CONTACT Erika Gulija erika@firesidecampaigns.com
DENVER — Tomorrow is the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being signed into law, and with recent health care expansions from the American Rescue Plan, it’s clear this law is here to stay. Laura Packard, executive director of Get America Covered, celebrates this historic legislation and reminds people to take advantage of the current special enrollment period.
In addition to direct stimulus payments to individuals, the American Rescue Plan strengthened the ACA, allowing many more people to access subsidized health care coverage through the marketplace. The plan extended credits to those in higher income brackets and expanded financial assistance for those who already qualify. Further, the plan provides additional incentives to the 12 states that have yet to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income adults under the ACA to encourage them to do so.
The already high numbers for the current special enrollment period demonstrate how necessary the ACA is to the American people. More than 206,000 Americans have enrolled in health insurance plans via Healthcare.gov, and there’s still time for individuals to enroll before the deadline on May 15.
According to Laura Packard, Executive Director of Get America Covered, “Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act became law. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and it saved my life. I would not be here without the ACA, and I’m so grateful that we’ve moved on to expanding health care through the American Rescue Plan to cover even more people today.”
Even with the promising initial numbers, Laura encourages people to check out the information on Healthcare.gov and provides 5 important points about this special enrollment period:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the greatest health insurance losses in American history. The special enrollment period for healthcare.gov started on February 15, but you must enroll by May 15 for coverage this year.
- Accidents happen and people get sick — especially during a pandemic. One trip to the emergency room could cost more than monthly rent. Health insurance protects you from the unexpected.
- Free help is available to figure out the best options for your family and your situation. If you have questions about signing up, or want to talk through your options with a trained professional, assistance is just a click away. Call 1–800–318–2596, visit localhelp.healthcare.gov, or make a one-on-one appointment today.
- People who previously had job-based health insurance but lost it during the pandemic, or who never had insurance, may not realize that they are eligible for coverage with financial help. Nearly half of all uninsured adults have neither looked for information about Marketplace coverage nor tried to obtain Medicaid/CHIP coverage yet.
- 28.9 million Americans were uninsured in 2019 — and that number is likely higher now due to the pandemic. Healthcare.gov will reflect the new tax credits available via the American Rescue Plan starting April 1st and state-based marketplaces are also in the process of updating their figures. You can use this free calculator from Kaiser Family Foundation to determine how much subsidy you will qualify for now. Shop around, and consider enrolling after April 1st.
Get America Covered, a non-profit organization founded in 2017 by Obama administration veterans who ran outreach and public education for HealthCare.gov, is dedicated to helping Americans enroll and stay enrolled in health care coverage.
Laura Packard is the executive director of Get America Covered, founder of Health Care Voices, and a stage IV cancer survivor. The Affordable Care Act saved her life. If you’re interested in interviewing Laura Packard to learn why and how Americans should take advantage of the open enrollment opportunity to get covered with affordable health insurance, please reach out to erika@firesidecampaigns.com.
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