***CONSUMER ALERT*** Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment is STILL Open Until January 31

Floridians Who Enroll by this Tuesday Can Use Their Coverage Starting March 1
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2017
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Consumers who want to enroll in or renew their coverage through the Affordable Care Act should know that as of now nothing has changed, financial help is available, and they can still enroll in a quality, affordable insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Tuesday, January 31 is the final deadline for Florida residents to enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act. With just 5 days left, the clock is ticking and Floridians should act now to make sure they have time to shop around, consider their options, and enroll in the plan that best fits their needs and budget.
Anyone who enrolls in coverage by January 31 will be able to use their coverage beginning on March 1, and anyone who enrolls in coverage will likely be able to keep throughout 2017. Medicaid enrollment is also open year-round, and consumers who apply and are eligible can enroll and begin getting services immediately.

“We want to make sure no consumer is confused: until Tuesday at midnight, you can still enroll in coverage through the Affordable Care Act,” said Jodi Ray, Program Director of Florida Covering Kids and Families at the University of South Florida in Tampa. “So far, close to 1.7 million Florida residents have enrolled in coverage already this open enrollment period, and we’re encouraging everyone to take action now to find the best plan for their family.”

Everybody’s needs and financial situations are different, and plans and prices change every year, so all Floridians should shop the options available to them. All Marketplace health plans are required to cover the basics – from preventive care, emergency services, prescriptions, and more. And quality protection comes at an affordable price for most Florida residents thanks to the financial assistance available to lower the cost of plans. In fact, 89% of the enrollees in Florida who have signed up so far are receiving financial help.

In order to help Floridians explore their options, there are a variety of resources available so that consumers can be confident that they are choosing the best plan for them. Free, local in-person help is available across Florida through certified assisters who can sit down one-on-one and answer questions about coverage and benefits. Scheduling an appointment is easy: simply use the Covering Florida Get Covered Connector tool and choose a convenient time and location. Enroll America also offers a free, easy-to-use digital tool called the Get Covered Plan Explorer, which helps consumers navigate the plans available to them and estimate their total health care costs for the year so they can pick the plan that best fits their needs and budget. For free in-person Navigator assistance state-wide call (877)813-9115 or visit http://coveringflorida.org/