Rep. Underwood Statement on President Biden's Announcement to Reopen the ACA Open Enrollment Period

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Illinois, issued the following statement on Jan. 28, 2021:

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on President Biden's announcement of a three month Special Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.

"Now more than ever, Americans need access to affordable health care. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been advocating for a Special Enrollment Period to allow Americans to enroll in affordable health plans that not only cover COVID-19 testing and treatment, but also mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, and more.

"During this Special Enrollment Period, nearly 9 million uninsured Americans could enroll in a free or lower cost health plan. I commend President Biden for his leadership in ensuring people have the health coverage they need.

"And I call on my colleagues in Congress to lower the cost of health insurance further by expanding and extending advanced premium tax credits by passing the Health Care Affordability Act."