WASHINGTON, D.C. — Heading into the final days before the Dec. 15 deadline for Jan. 1 coverage, more than 2.8 million consumers selected a plan in the HealthCare.gov platform as of Dec. 5, 2015, including 62,181 in Ohio. This includes both new consumers and consumers returning to shop for private health insurance plans sold on Healthcare.gov.
“I am pleased with the strong start to this year’s Open Enrollment,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. “While we have more work to do, more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for affordable quality coverage in the 38 states that use HealthCare.gov. And existing Marketplace customers who have returned and shopped for a more affordable plan are paying less in premiums this year than they were paying last year. Time is running out to sign up for a health plan that begins on January 1. With less than a week remaining before the December 15th deadline, we urge consumers to visit Healthcare.gov and get enrolled.”
Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1, 2015, and runs through Jan. 31, 2016. However, it’s important to note that individuals who need coverage starting January 1, 2016, must sign up by the Dec. 15, 2015 deadline.
Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a fee of $695 or more.
Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.
Five facts about Ohio’s Open Enrollment:
• Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 62,181 Ohio consumers have selected a plan in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.
• Plans for 2016 are affordable, 57 percent of Ohio enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.
• For 2016, 85 percent of returning Ohio HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average of $923 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop.
• When Ohio customers visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of quality health coverage options available. For 2016, Ohio consumers can choose from 17 issuers and an average of 81 plans.
• Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Ohio have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.
Visit [email protected] to find a listing enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.
Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 800-318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.
