By: Jennifer Schleman, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Communications

The Open Enrollment deadline of Jan. 15, 2022, is quickly approaching, and as a CMS Champion for Coverage, we wanted to remind you to sign up for coverage by this Saturday!

After Jan. 15, you will only be able to enroll in health coverage if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.

Whether you are uninsured, do not receive health coverage through your employer, or are looking for more affordable health care coverage, you and your family may be eligible for health coverage on the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.

All Marketplace plans are comprehensive and must cover 10 essential health benefits, from emergency services to preventive wellness services, mental health, substance use services, and prescription drugs.

And all Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, which is crucial for the more than 145 million Americans with chronic conditions and disabilities served by the NHC’s membership. None of the insurance plans on the Marketplace can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started.

If you do have a chronic condition or regularly see a doctor and/or take regular medications, make sure your providers and medicines are covered by the insurance plan before enrolling. And check to see how much you will have to pay for them out-of-pocket. Sometimes paying a higher premium may save you money over the course of the year if they have a lower deductible or limit on out-of-pocket spending.

Four out of 5 consumers can find plans for $10 a month or less. Some consumers can even find plans for zero dollars. And the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how important it is to have health coverage.

We join CMS in encouraging anyone who needs health coverage to visit www.HealthCare.gov today and check out their options. Assistance is available at localhelp.healthcare.gov if you need help finding a health plan.

Don’t wait until you get sick or have an accident to see what your options are. Your health is too important!