Commonwealth Connection: What Does Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Mean for Virginians?

Press Release

by Kristen Molloy, Healthcare Policy Aide

October 1st marked the first day of open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplaces established in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is an opportunity for people who do not currently have access to insurance through their employer--or existing government programs like Medicare and Medicaid--to get coverage. Eligible individuals can now sign up for health insurance that begins on January 1, 2014. Open enrollment continues through March 31, 2014. The Marketplace will provide quality and affordable coverage to families and individuals throughout the Commonwealth. Every health plan in the Marketplace offers comprehensive coverage -- from doctors, to prescriptions and medications, to hospital visits. Health plans also include free coverage for preventive services, and a preexisting condition no longer means you may be denied coverage.

Best of all, clear information on plan premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs must be provided before you decide to enroll. That means you will know what you are buying, and can make the best choice for your family. To use the Health Insurance Marketplace, you will fill out a short application and be able to see all the health plans available in your area. By providing information about your household size and income, you will find out if you qualify for tax credits available to lower costs on your monthly premiums and subsidies to help with out-of-pocket expenses like copays.

All eligible people across Virginia now have the opportunity to get covered. If you have questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325). Online chat is also available 24/7 on HealthCare.gov and Marketplace Navigators and Certified Application Assistants are available to help you understand your health insurance options and guide you through the process to enroll in a plan.

It is important to remember all of the work that the ACA is already doing for Virginia. Starting in 2010, the ACA has prohibited insurance companies from excluding coverage of pre-existing conditions for 1.8 million Virginia children. The law has allowed 768,778 young adult Virginians to stay on their parents' insurance plans, and has improved Medicare benefits for 1.1 million Virginia seniors, including beginning to close the Medicare Part D prescription drug "donut hole." For Virginians of every age, the ACA is making a difference.

To learn more or enroll in the Marketplace, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov

To learn how the Affordable Care Act impacts small business owners: https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/

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