ACA Enrollment Continues; Millions Eligible

Republican attempts to kill it have left the Affordable Care Act – also known as the ACA and Obamacare – weakened, but its pulse is strong enough to continue another year as 2020 enrollment is ongoing.

If last year is any indication, the program may be the health insurance of choice for an increasing number of North Central Florida residents. The enrollment period continues through Dec. 15.

This year, 15,005 Alachua County residents are enrolled in an ACA plan. The total includes 3,415 people who signed up for the first time with a 2019 plan, according to data on the HealthCare.gov website.

Marion County has 22,114 enrollees including 5,907 new policy holders. Enrollment in 2019 also increased in Levy, Gilchrist and Bradford counties.

Those increases came despite cuts by the Trump administration to the length of the enrollment period and to the corps of "navigators" who met with interested residents in the program's early years to explain the various options and assist with sign-ups.

Joshua Peck, co-founder of the ACA advocacy and assistance group Get America Covered, said demand for coverage is running high and costs for most customers are reasonable, thanks to subsidies.

"There are affordable prices for people this year. That was true last year as well. We know that cost is the most important factor when consumers are deciding whether or not to enroll," Peck said. "Nearly nine of 10 marketplace customers get financial help in subsidies. Whether or not a health insurance company raises or lowers their premium, those costs tend to stay pretty similar year to year."

The average cost of plans is expected to hold steady or, in some cases, drop. Peck said 81% of HealthCare.gov consumers in Florida can find a plan for $10 a month or less.

People can enroll through the HealthCare.gov website, which sets out an array of plans with varying coverages, deductibles, out-of-pocket limits and other factors. Costs will depend on the plan and on income.

Florida plans are offered by insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Sunshine Health.

Potential customers can also find local insurance agents who can enroll customers on an Obamacare plan. HealthCare.gov lists brokers in the region.

And in Bradford and Union, residents can get enrollment assistance at their joint county health department.

Insurance agents in Alachua and Marion counties said they have been fielding calls about the program leading up to the enrollment period and expect to be busy.

Bryan Williams of McGriff-Williams Insurance in Gainesville writes policies under the program for Florida Blue and said the pricing is expected to be on par with 2019.

"It's so different for every person. Some folks qualify for an income subsidy and some don't, so (prices) can vary so much depending on the situation," Williams said. "Most of the calls now are about redoing for 2020. The last week prior to open enrollment ending typically is a busy time."

Agent Misty Romero of Ocala said she assists both returning and new customers in picking a plan that is best for them and in explaining other aspects of the program, such as potential tax savings.

"We are getting a lot of calls because it does have a huge effect, not only on your health insurance but also your tax returns," Romero said. "We're getting a lot of calls for clarification on what needs to be done and how to do it correctly. We assist clients in making sure it is done correctly."