Release: Over 528,000 Americans have enrolled for health care coverage via HealthCare.gov so far

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2021

PRESS CONTACT Claire Murchison claire@firesidecampaigns.com

DENVER — Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced that since the start of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) special enrollment period on February 15, over 528,000 Americans have enrolled for health care coverage via HealthCare.gov, more than double the number of people who have enrolled over the past two years. These numbers reflect enrollment even before the American Rescue Plan subsidies went into effect.

Get America Covered is happy to see these numbers remain high after a record-setting number of enrollments during the first two weeks of the enrollment period. After the passage of the American Rescue Plan this month, these numbers will continue to rise as more people are able to access subsidized health care coverage through the marketplace.

“Great news! More affordable health care plans are now available through Healthcare.gov. Even if you didn’t qualify for help in the past, log in today to get covered. The Affordable Care Act saved my life, and it continues saving lives today,” said Laura Packard, executive director of Get America Covered.

While President Biden announced an extension of the enrollment period until August 15, Laura encourages people to start seeking out their options now and provides 5 important points about this special enrollment period:

1. 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 August 15 for coverage this year.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 28.9 million Americans were uninsured in 2019 — and that number is likely higher now due to the pandemic. Healthcare.gov now reflects the new tax credits available via the American Rescue Plan 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 enroll by August 15! (State level eligibility numbers for uninsured Americans via KFF)

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 claire@firesidecampaigns.com.

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