President Biden announced yesterday that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending access to the Special Enrollment Period [SEP] until August 15 — giving consumers additional time to take advantage of new savings through the American Rescue Plan. The action gives new and current enrollees an additional three months to enroll or re-evaluate their coverage needs with increased tax credits to reduce premiums.
“Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care — especially as we fight back against the COVID-19 pandemic, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becarra.
A statement issued by the White House said that “as a result of the American Rescue Plan, additional savings will be available for consumers through HealthCare.gov starting April 1. These savings will decrease premiums for many, on average, by $50 per person per month and $85 per policy per month. On average, one out of four enrollees on HealthCare.gov will be able to upgrade to a higher plan category that offers better out of pocket costs at the same or lower premium compared to what they’re paying today.
To see if they qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of monthly premiums or to enroll in coverage before August 15, consumers can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view current plans. Consumers can also call 800.318.2596 (the Marketplace Call Center) for assistance in over 150 languages.
Consumers who take advantage of the special enrollment period to enroll or change plans may find their savings start as soon as the first month after plan selection.
Additionally, beginning in early July on HealthCare.gov, consumers who have received or have been determined eligible to receive unemployment compensation for any week during 2021 may be able to get another increase in savings when enrolling in new Marketplace coverage or updating their existing application and enrollment.
The SEP is currently available to consumers in the 36 states, including Ohio, that use the HealthCare.gov platform.
The White House statement invited citizens to visit here for a fact sheet detailing how the American Rescue Plan will bring down health care costs and expand on the Affordable Care Act.
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