Health Insurance Enrollment Deadline Nears

Sunday, Jan. 31 is the final deadline for Tennesseans to enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the third Affordable Care Act open enrollment period. With just nine days left, the clock is ticking, and Tennesseans should act now to make sure they have time to shop around, consider their options and enroll in the plan that best fits their needs and budget. 

“So far, nearly 233,000 Tennesseans have enrolled in coverage during this open enrollment period—but there are still many who stand to benefit and need to take action before January 31,” said Enroll America Tennessee State Director Jacob Flowers. “Last year we saw an unprecedented surge of interest leading up to the final deadline, and we expect to see the same this year as we approach the end of the month. That’s why we are encouraging people to start the process now to make sure there’s plenty of time for them to find the best plan for their family.”

During this open enrollment period, there are new plans and new prices available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, so all Tennesseans should explore the options available to them. All Marketplace health plans are required to cover the basics—from preventive care, emergency services, prescriptions and more. And quality protection comes at an affordable price for most Tennesseans, thanks to the financial assistance available to lower the cost of plans. In fact, 84% of the more than 233,000 in Tennessee who have signed up so far are receiving financial help.

In order to help Tennesseans explore their options, there are a variety of resources available so that consumers can be confident that they are choosing the best plan for them. For instance, there is free, local in-person help available across the state. To find a certified assistant who can sit down one-on-one and answer questions about coverage and benefits, go to<www.GetCoveredTenn.org> or call (844) 644-5443 to schedule an appointment at a convenient time and location.

Get Covered America also has a free, easy-to-use digital tool called the Get Covered Plan Explorer, which helps consumers navigate the plans available to them and estimate their total health care costs for the year, so they can pick the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Those who don’t have health insurance in 2016 may face a fine of $695 or 2.5 percent of their income (whichever is greater). And that is on top of having to pay out-of-pocket for routine medical care and unexpected emergencies. Tennesseans shouldn’t delay and risk paying the fine and high medical bills, when they can have quality, affordable health insurance that will cover the essentials and protect them from the unexpected.

Enroll America is the nation’s leading health care enrollment coalition. An independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Enroll America works with more than 6,700 partners in all 50 states to create cutting-edge tools, analyze data, inform policy and share best practices in service of its mission: maximizing the number of Americans who enroll in and retain health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. 

The Get Covered America campaign was created in 2013 to inform millions of eligible consumers about their new health insurance options, and has been tested, refined and proven successful through two enrollment cycles. Get Covered America programs and tools are now being utilized by partners in enrollment efforts nationwide, supported by more than 100 Enroll America staff working nationally and on-the-ground in targeted communities across the country.

—Information provided by
Get Covered America