UnidosUS Urges Eligible Latinos to Enroll in Health Insurance During Open Enrollment Period

The fifth open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has decreased from three months to only 45 days, running November 1–December 15

WASHINGTON, DC—With the ACA receiving a shorter enrollment period and significantly less government promotion, UnidosUS wants to make sure all eligible Latinos have the information they need to continue or begin their health coverage before the deadline.

While there is much confusion and misunderstanding about the current state of the ACA, UnidosUS is working with its Affiliate Network to inform the Latino community that the ACA is still the law and the time is here to look at available options, enroll in the plan that best meets your needs or update your information.

“It is imperative that all eligible people enroll by the December 15 deadline in order to have health coverage in 2018,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS. “More than four million Latinos now have insurance thanks to the ACA, and we need even more people to get covered. But with additional challenges this year—a shorter enrollment period, less promotion and resources—UnidosUS is working to increase awareness and get our community the information they need to take action.”

Here are the three things to know about buying health coverage for 2018:

• This year’s open enrollment takes place November 1–December 15, 2017.

It is important to sign up for health insurance during this period, and pay your first month’s premium, so you have coverage for 2018. With health coverage, you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your family are protected in case the unexpected happens.

• To see if you’re eligible or to explore your coverage options, go to healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov.

• If you need help enrolling, you can visit healthcare.gov to get in-person help in your area.

• This year’s open enrollment period is 45 days, half as long as the 90 days in previous years.

• Shop around to find the best option for you and your family.

No two plans are the same, and coverage options change from year to year. The good news is there are tools available to compare plans so you can choose the one that’s best for you and your family. Whether enrolling in coverage for the first time, or renewing your coverage during open enrollment, it is important to shop around.

• To compare plans, visit healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov. Once on the site, you can put in your ZIP code to see a list of plans available in your area.

• Most people enrolling in coverage during open enrollment qualify for financial help.

Whether you are renewing your current plan or signing up for health coverage for the first time, you may qualify for financial support to buy a plan.

• You can visit healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov to see if you qualify for financial help, or call (800) 318-2596.

• In most cases, financial help will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing coverage, so it is important to see if you qualify. In 2017, 84 percent of enrollees received financial help that significantly reduced the cost of purchasing health coverage.

Throughout this open enrollment period, community-based organizations that are part of the UnidosUS Affiliate Network are providing Latinos with local in-person assistance, as well as information about financial help and eligibility—particularly for families of mixed immigration status—and more.