The Affordable Care Act: 3 things to know about buying health coverage for 2020

on in Health

Now is the time to look at your options and get ready to enroll in a health plan this Open Enrollment period.

While the Trump administration has allowed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be challenged in court, the ACA remains the law of the land. Given the confusion and misunderstanding about the current state of the ACA, it is important to clarify that it is still the law and it is time to get ready to get covered for 2020 during this year’s Open Enrollment period.

During the Open Enrollment period, you will have the opportunity to get coverage through the Marketplace, which is a shopping service for medical insurance created by the ACA.

Here are three things you need to know for the 2020 ACA Open Enrollment that starts November 1 so you and your family can enroll in a health plan that meets your health needs and your budget:

  1. This year’s Open Enrollment takes place November 1 to December 15, 2019.

It is important to sign up for insurance during this period, and pay your first month’s premium, so you have coverage for 2020. 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 just 45 days. For 2020 coverage, you must enroll by December 15! It’s important to note that some states’ deadlines may vary, so it’s critical to check the information available for your state.
  1. 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.

  1. 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. Click here, or here, 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 2019, 87% of enrollees received financial help that significantly reduced the cost of purchasing health coverage.

Stay connected

Since 2013, the ACA has provided 20 million Americans, including four million Latino adults and 600,000 Latino children, with access to health coverage and care. The 2020 Open Enrollment period provides our community with an opportunity to continue to build on these historic gains.

Make sure to check back with us at UnidosUS.org for updates and additional resources so you and your family can get ready to get covered!

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