Obamacare open enrollment begins amid pandemic, Supreme Court challenge
Demand is expected to be high as a result of the pandemic, which has infected more than 143,000 Marylanders and put tens of thousands out of work.
About 80,000 people signed up for immediate coverage of what is often called Obamacare during a special enrollment period started in mid-March on the Maryland Health Exchange, swelling the rolls of private insurance sold through the online marketplace and of Medicaid for low-income residents.
The open enrollment period will be open until
Exchange officials and advocates say there is no indication people are being put off by the latest challenge to the law before the
“The Affordable Care Act has survived many challenges,” said
The court will review the case, Texas v.
The law, which provides insurance to more than 20 million Americans, has retained wide support in
She noted that when
UnitedHealthcare returned to the marketplace this year, bringing the number of carriers to three in many counties.
“We know there is great demand,” said Eberle, citing the special enrollment period aimed largely at people who had lost their employer-provided health insurance during the pandemic.
There are currently 160,000 people enrolled in private plans through the exchange, up 19% from a year ago, and 1.16 million in Medicaid, up 6% from a year ago. People can enroll year-round for Medicaid, but typically must sign up for private plans during a fall open enrollment period for the following year.
This year, however, the special enrollment period to acquire insurance immediately for those who lose jobs during the pandemic began in March and has been extended until mid-December.
Eberle said a study during the summer affirmed the coronavirus was the driver for many to seek coverage. Nearly 60% said they were more likely to seek insurance now than before the pandemic. For African Americans, disproportionately hit by the virus, 66% were more likely to want the coverage.
“We know that thousands have lost health coverage after losing jobs during the pandemic,” Eberle said. “Estimates of loss of health coverage in
She also said she believed people were anxious about the continuation of the Affordable Care Act, which provides coverage to the uninsured but also benefits those with employer coverage. The benefits include allowing children to remain on their parents' plans until they are age 26, covering some preventive care and eliminating some coverage caps. The vast majority of people with exchange coverage also receive subsidies to cover premiums.
The outcome of the
Weiner said the justices, even with a stronger conservative majority, could preserve some or all of the law.
If they strike it down entirely,
If
There is a cost when people don’t have health insurance, Weiner said. In
“If the worst should happen,” he said, “Maryland is an innovative, forward-thinking state and it will undoubtedly undertake some legislative and regulatory actions to help fill the health insurance void the best it can on its own.”
To review available plans and sign up for coverage, residents can visit marylandhealthconnection.gov, download the “Enroll MHC” mobile app or make a toll-free call to 1-855-642-8572 toll-free from
___
(c)2020 The Baltimore Sun
Visit The Baltimore Sun at www.baltimoresun.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Contract Catering Market Research Report – Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2020-2026
With Expansion to Texas, Pet Wellness Leader Wagmo Continues Rapid Rollout of Innovative Pet Insurance Offering Across U.S.
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News