Almost 400K Virginians eligible for zero-dollar plans through HealthCare.gov
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra recently announced that about 390,000 Virginians are eligible for zero-dollar plans through HealthCare.gov due to the American Rescue Plan signed March 11 by President Biden.
About 187,000 current enrollees and 203,000 uninsured adults can sign up for quality health coverage with no monthly premiums. Another 203,000 current enrollees and 227,000 uninsured adults are eligible for low-premium plans.
The American Rescue Plan increased tax credits available to millions of consumers, reducing premiums and giving consumers access to affordable, quality health care coverage. More than half a million Americans signed up for coverage on HealthCare.gov during the first six weeks of access to the current Special Enrollment Period.
Biden opened access to an SEP through Aug. 15 due to the continuing COVID-19 public health emergency, allowing consumers to sign up for a health insurance plan outside of the yearly open enrollment period.
Recent reports show gains in enrollment among historically uninsured communities, including Black consumers and individuals near the poverty level. Of applicants who identified a race, 17% identified as Black – compared to about 11% in both 2020 and 2019 during the same time period. Among consumers requesting financial assistance, 41% report being at or slightly above the federal poverty level, compared to 38% in 2020 and 33% in 2019.
Consumers who want to enroll in coverage and see if they qualify for more affordable premiums can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view 2021 plans and prices and, if eligible, enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.
Additionally, consumers can call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, which provides assistance in over 150 languages. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325. Consumers can also find local assistance or an agent/broker in their area by visiting https://localhelp.healthcare.gov. Eligible consumers can apply through August 15, to gain access to the Special Enrollment Period to change or update their plan choices.
