President Trump decided not to open a special enrollment period for the Obamacare insurance markets amid coronavirus. Rep. Susan Wild says he should change his mind.

Morning Call (Allentown, PA)

Democrats, including Lehigh Valley Congresswoman Susan Wild, are urging the Trump administration to reverse its decision not to offer a special enrollment period for purchasing health insurance through the Obamacare exchanges.

Wild, who represents Lehigh, Northampton and part of southern Monroe counties, said Wednesday that she was “deeply disappointed” by that decision late last month, arguing that blocking access to health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic also affects those who do have health insurance.

“Every single American should have a right to quality and affordable health care, and that has never been more true than right this minute, when not having insurance can have consequences on broader public health,” Wild said.

Open enrollment typically runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 in states like Pennsylvania that use the federal-operated exchanges.

Under current law, those who lose insurance coverage through their employer due to losing a job are eligible to sign up for a new policy through the exchange within 60 days of becoming uninsured.

But Wild and others on a call with reporters Wednesday say there are others who aren’t able to access coverage without a new enrollment period, such as young people who decided against purchasing insurance because they were in good health or those who bought plans with high deductibles hoping they wouldn’t have to use their costly plans. They didn’t have numbers available on how many people may be unable to access insurance coverage without reopening enrollment.

The Trump administration has said that instead of reopening enrollment, it plans to cover uninsured patients’ coronavirus treatments by paying hospitals for their costs, but it’s not clear how much money will be available for doing so or how that process will work.

At least 11 states that run their own Obamacare marketplaces have reopened enrollment, allowing anyone without comprehensive insurance to sign up without having to prove that they met certain conditions.

Wild and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey introduced a bill last month that would require a special health insurance enrollment period any time there is a public health emergency declaration like the coronavirus outbreak, and would require insurance plans to cover any treatments and services related to the outbreak.

Neither chamber of Congress is expected to return to session in Washington until at least May 4.

Washington correspondent Laura Olson can be reached at 202-780-9540 or [email protected].

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