Florida Health Justice Project Encourages Floridians to Enroll in Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Before Open Enrollment Ends on December 15

 Media Contact: Blanca Mesa, FHJP, mesa@floridahealthjustice.org

Other Health care options include Medicaid, Public Health Clinics Serving Uninsured 

(Miami, Florida- December 11, 2020) – Florida residents still have time to enroll in health insurance at HealthCare.gov, but the deadline is rapidly approaching. December 15 is the last day people can enroll in comprehensive health insurance for 2021. People who miss that deadline to apply for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care policy risk being uninsured for all of 2021. Apply at healthcare.gov
“Florida leads the nation in ACA enrollment, with more than 800,000 already enrolled,” said FHJP Executive Director Miriam Harmatz. “Especially with COVID-related insurance loss and the fact that Florida has failed to expand Medicaid, a tremendous number of Floridians qualify for federal subsidies that make the plans affordable.”

Already, ACA sign-ups are up 32% compared to last year at this time, according to Get America Covered. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic fall-out, including the loss of employment-based health coverage for those who have become unemployed are fueling the increase. 

This year, current marketplace consumers have a great opportunity to save money by comparing their plan options, saving up to 38 percent per month, on average, in 2019.Consumers are advised to avoid “junk insurance” plans outside the marketplace.  These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.
HealthCare.gov plans 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. 

Florida residents may also qualify for free Medicaid health care insurance if they meet the state's eligibility requirements, which limit the program to persons with disabilities, pregnant women or extremely low-income parents. Florida remains one of 12 states that has not expanded Medicaid. Uninsured Floridians may also seek health care atFederally Qualified Health (FQHC) low or no-cost public health clinics that receive federal funds. 
 
GET HELP: Covering Florida is a statewide organization that helps with enrollment To schedule an appointment, or call 877-813-9115 for more info.

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