Sen. Wyden Issues Statement on Health Care Open Enrollment Period

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., ranking Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement on the first day of open enrollment for Americans purchasing health insurance on the individual health care market, which runs from November 1st to December 15th for states using healthcare.gov, including Oregon:

"Starting today, Americans across the country can sign up for health care on healthcare.gov through December 15."

"After Republicans spent months playing politics with families' health care, the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land for Americans who need affordable coverage.

"There is more to be done to bring down health costs, including tackling the high cost of prescription drugs, but it's important for people to know that if they need health care, they have access to it."

Open enrollment for states offering health care plans on healthcare.gov runs from November 1st to December 15th, and purchasing coverage will be easier earlier in the enrollment period. Financial help is available - about 80 percent of people who buy health coverage on healthcare.gov can find a plan for less than $75 per month. Even if you are already enrolled, shopping around for a new plan can save money while still providing you with the care you need. Over the phone assistance is also available at 1-800-318-2596.

Open enrollment begins on schedule with affordable plans available despite numerous attempts by Republicans in Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have driven up health care costs and left tens of millions of Americans without health care. The Trump administration has also continued to sabotage the law by shortening the open enrollment period, defunding advertising and outreach, and sowing confusion about the health care options that are available to American families.