Only One Month Remains Before The August 15th Deadline For The ACA Marketplace Emergency Special Enrollment Period
Tampa, Florida –The AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN included an extension of the Emergency Special Open Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families to enroll in Health Insurance Marketplace coverage. The emergency SEP began on February 1st and its original March 15th deadline was extended until August 15th. This SEP has allowed individuals and families in states like Florida with Marketplaces served by the HealthCare.gov platform to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage for most of the year. To date, over 2.1 million Americans have responded and signed up for coverage, and as usual, Florida’s efforts have led the country, with over 413,000 sign-ups since February 15th!!
There are major financial impacts to the Marketplace costs and available subsidies contained in the new American Rescue Plan. The relief law makes coverage significantly more affordable for millions of people who either have marketplace coverage, are uninsured or have lost their employer coverage. In addition, it will eliminate repayment requirements for 2020 premium tax credits. Also, if you received or were approved for unemployment compensation at any time in 2021 there are further subsidies available to heavily discount costs. Our certified Covering Florida Navigators are ready and able to assist with your application, with no fee charged to consumers.
Covering Florida is the statewide consortium of certified Navigator groups partner organizations, with multiple partner organizations located throughout the state. Covering Florida operates under the umbrella of Florida Covering Kids & Families based at the University of South Florida. The statewide partner groups include:
·Big Bend Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) – Serving Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Leon, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla, and Washington counties.
· Covering Central Florida (Primary Care Access Network) – Serving Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
· Epilepsy Florida (ACA Navigation South Florida) – Serving Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties.
· Family Healthcare Foundation – Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties
· Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida – Serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, and Volusia counties.
· Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida – Serving Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
· Suwannee River Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) – Serving Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee and Union counties.
· University of South Florida Navigators – Serving the entire State of Florida, to include Brevard, Citrus, Escambia, Hernando, Indian River, Martin, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sumter and Walton counties.
Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov Marketplace plans.
As always, you can find someone to help you navigate the enrollment process by visiting www.CoveringFlorida.org or calling 877-813-9115. Consumers should make an appointment now, before the August 15th Deadline to get the comprehensive health insurance they need.
Media Contact: Jody Young jody_r_young@att.net 561-704-3912
