For millions of Americans, next week kicks off an important event: the third open enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act and a chance for uninsured Hoosiers to get covered.
What a difference the Affordable Care Act has made. Not too long ago, those without access to affordable health insurance through a parent or employer had few options. They were forced to choose between paying expensive premiums for coverage and putting food on the table or a keeping a roof overhead. Many opted not to purchase coverage, placing themselves and their families at great risk if they became sick or were injured.
Thankfully, millions now have access to a range of affordable plans — and tax credits to help them afford coverage — through the state and federal health insurance marketplaces that were created under the Affordable Care Act and opened for enrollment in 2013. In fact, after the credits, eight out of 10 current enrollees can get coverage for less than $100 a month in 2016.
Today, no American can be denied or dropped from coverage because of a pre-existing condition or because they hit an annual or lifetime cap on benefits. That was especially good news for 64-year-old Cheryl Laux from Indianapolis, who broke her leg three years ago. Laux was in between insurance plans at the time and would have been denied new coverage if not for the Affordable Care Act, because her broken leg would have been labeled a pre-existing condition. One unfortunate accident or illness no longer has the power to derail a person’s chance at receiving quality care in the future.
I encourage Americans in need of coverage to visit Healthcare.gov to browse a broad range of plans with different levels of coverage and affordable premiums. For those worried about privacy, plans can be browsed anonymously without having to enter any personal information, and one can always reach the Marketplace Call Center at (800) 318-2596 to sign up for coverage by phone. Signing up is easy and can mean the difference between living with the risk of needing care while uninsured or living with the peace of mind that comes from having quality, affordable coverage. Open enrollment for 2016 coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016.
The Affordable Care Act is not just about a new way to buy insurance; it’s about a health system that prioritizes access, affordability and quality for everyone.
