(Columbus, OH, Wednesday, May 8, 2019) – According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 8.4 million people nationwide signed up for health care coverage via healthcare.gov—the federal marketplace—during open enrollment in 2018. This includes more than two million new consumers and over 6.3 million people renewing coverage.

Health coverage is essential in Ohio as the state continues to struggle with abysmal infant mortality rates and an opioid crisis. Since its inception, 206,871 Ohioans have signed up for coverage via healthcare.gov and there are more than 46,000 new enrollees.

Enrolling in coverage is just the first step—consumers need to also understand how to use all the benefits that are in a health plan and what services are covered.  It’s also important to understand what kind of coverage you have – some plans offer only short-term coverage and may not cover the services you need.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, consider getting one that accepts your insurance. Don’t forget to check with your local Community Health Center. Health centers provide quality, comprehensive and affordable care regardless of insurance status to more than 28 million people in more than 11,000 rural and urban communities across America, including Ohio where health centers serve over 743,000 Ohioans at over 380 locations. Even if you don’t have coverage, you can still receive care at a health center. Many health plans do not provide dental coverage but you may be able to access oral health services at a health center.

It’s important to know where you can get the most affordable care. The ER is for life-threatening problems and is the most expensive. If your health concern or problem is not life threatening, you have other options that cost less, including a primary care provider at a local health center.

To find a health center in Ohio, visit ohiochc.org/findahealthcenter.