The American Rescue Plan (ARP) not only provides resources to beat the pandemic but it also expands access to health insurance coverage, and lowers cost ensuring nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family insurance through a Marketplace can receive a tax credit to reduce their premiums. As we continue to battle COVID-19, it is more important than ever that Americans have access to affordable health care. The Health Insurance Marketplace® at HealthCare.gov has a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) available now to all Marketplace-eligible consumers who apply. And, as a result of ARP, millions of customers now have access to newly expanded financial assistance on HealthCare.gov.

Consumers will be able to take advantage of increased premium tax credits on high quality health care plans when they enroll in coverage through HealthCare.gov. The new law will lower premiums for most people who currently have a Marketplace health plan and expand access to financial assistance for more consumers.

Starting July 1, 2021, consumers who received or are approved to receive unemployment compensation for any week beginning in 2021 may be able to find even lower cost plans and save extra money on out-of-pocket expenses through HealthCare.gov.

Consumers who take action today and confirm updated savings on the plan of their choice will start receiving the savings and lower costs starting with their August 1 premiums.

Dr. LaShawn McIver (mc-EEV-er), CMS Director of the Office of Minority Health talks about what needs to be done to ensure you get coverage through HealthCare.gov.

Links to soundbites: ­­­­­­https://4media-group.box.com/s/8hfvcpm6vcvo8a84f0ftqjh3690o35wu

Soundbite #1
If you need health insurance, now is the time to visit HealthCare.gov. If you sign up by July 31^st, your coverage can start as soon as August 1^st. The new COVID relief law provides additional financial assistance, which can significantly lower your monthly premium. 4 out of 5 consumers can find plans for ten dollars a month or less with financial assistance. As of July 1st, consumers  who received unemployment compensation for even one week in 2021 can get the maximum assistance available and may be able to find a plan for $0 per month and very low out of pocket costs. Remember, if you sign up today, your coverage can start on the August 1^st.  Go to HealthCare.gov today.

Soundbite #2
Due to the COVID Relief law, millions more can take advantage of increased financial help for high quality health care plans during HealthCare.gov’s Special Enrollment Period. Those who are uninsured, AND people who currently have coverage through HealthCare.gov, can take advantage of these lower premiums now. As of July 1st, consumers who received unemployment compensation for even one week in 2021 can get the maximum assistance available and may be able to find a plan for $0 per month and very low out of pocket costs. If you take action by July 31st, your coverage can start on August 1st.  Go to HealthCare.gov today.

For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov.