Open enrollment in Georgia
• Since open enrollment began on Nov. 1, 151,600 Georgians selected a plan in the federally facilitated marketplace.
• An estimated 77 percent of Georgia enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.
• For 2016, 96 percent of returning Georgia HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average of $683 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop.
• When Georgians visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of coverage options available. For 2016, Georgia consumers can choose from nine issuers and an average of 48 plans.
• Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Georgia have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.
• Visit LocalHelp@HealthCare.gov to find a listing of enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.
• Representatives at the 24-hour call center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596. Call center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.
Heading into the final days before the Dec. 15 deadline for Jan. 1 coverage, more than 2.8 million consumers selected a plan in the HealthCare.gov platform as of Dec. 5, including 151,600 in Georgia.
That includes both new consumers and consumers returning to shop for private health insurance plans sold on the website.
“I am pleased with the strong start to this year’s Open Enrollment,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. “While we have more work to do, more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for affordable quality coverage in the 38 states that use HealthCare.gov. And existing Marketplace customers who have returned and shopped for a more affordable plan are paying less in premiums this year than they were paying last year. Time is running out to sign up for a health plan that begins on Jan. 1. With less than a week remaining before the Dec. 15 deadline, we urge consumers to visit Healthcare.gov and get enrolled.”
Open enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1, and runs through Jan. 31. However, individuals who need coverage starting Jan. 1 must sign up by the Dec. 15 deadline.
Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. Those who choose not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so are at risk of having to pay $695 or more.
Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.