Sens. Feinstein, Reed, Colleagues Urge Trump to Re-Open the Obamacare Enrollment Window
Senator
Currently, about 27.5 million Americans lack health insurance of any kind, and even more are underinsured or have so-called "junk" plans, which could still leave them facing expensive medical bills if hospitalized for treatment for COVID-19 or other health issues. Allowing people to purchase a plan now through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could help individuals while improving public health and making things safer for entire communities.
"We are deeply concerned that individuals and families will be forced to choose between getting tested and seeking care for COVID-19 to protect themselves, their families, and communities from further spread and being left with thousands of dollars in bills that they are unable to pay. In addition, when the uninsured or underinsured are unable to pay their medical bills, it is health care providers who are left to make up the shortfall. Health care providers are already relying on emergency resources to pay for increased capacity and medical supplies in order to be prepared for further spread of COVID-19," the senators wrote. "As such, and given the ongoing unprecedented public health crisis, we ask that HHS and CMS work to establish special enrollment periods for anyone seeking individual or family coverage through the health exchanges. Having comprehensive, affordable coverage is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the American people, particularly given the lack of access to testing for the COVID-19 and the uncertain trajectory of the outbreak. It is imperative for patients to receive covered care, regardless of whether they test positive or negative for the virus. Patients should not feel the need to avoid care out of fear of incurring medical bills they cannot afford."
This past year, 8.3 million people purchased or re-enrolled in Obamacare health plans using the HealthCare.gov platform during the 2020 open enrollment period, which the
The senators are asking the
In addition to Feinstein and Reed, the letter was also signed by Senators
To: The Honorable
The Honorable
Dear Secretary Azar and Administrator Verma:
In light of the ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in
As you know, the
We are deeply concerned that individuals and families will be forced to choose between getting tested and seeking care for COVID-19 to protect themselves, their families, and communities from further spread and being left with thousands of dollars in bills that they are unable to pay. In addition, when the uninsured or underinsured are unable to pay their medical bills, it is health care providers who are left to make up the shortfall. Health care providers are already relying on emergency resources to pay for increased capacity and medical supplies in order to be prepared for further spread of COVID-19.
As such, and given the ongoing unprecedented public health crisis, we ask that HHS and CMS work to establish special enrollment periods for anyone seeking individual or family coverage through the health exchanges. Having comprehensive, affordable coverage is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the American people, particularly given the lack of access to testing for the COVID-19 and the uncertain trajectory of the outbreak. It is imperative for patients to receive covered care, regardless of whether they test positive or negative for the virus. Patients should not feel the need to avoid care out of fear of incurring medical bills they cannot afford.
Patients must have access to affordable health insurance that will cover needed health care services for testing and treatment, especially now, when the broader public health is at risk. While there are many unknowns about how this outbreak will progress in
Sincerely,
Sens. Stabenow, Peters Urge Trump Administration to Re-Open Health Insurance Enrollment Window
N.M. Gov. Grisham: Insurance Superintendent Guarantees Free COVID-19 Testing and Treatment for New Mexicans
Advisor News
- How is consumers’ investing confidence impacting the need for advisors?
- Can a balance of withdrawals and annuities outshine the 4% rule?
- Economy ‘in a sweet spot’ but some concerns ahead
- Trump, Capitol allies likely looking at quick cryptocurrency legislation
- SEC panel reviews mandatory arbitration clause in investment advisory agreements
More Advisor NewsAnnuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
- Arkansas panel turns down proposal to allow drug dispensing fee surcharge
- Opinion: Anger explodes at health care CEOs
- HealthCare.gov breaks record with 16.6M signing up for coverage
- Popular Medicare Advantage comes under increased scrutiny.
- PHOTO GALLERY | Mangione supporters demonstrate outside Hollidaysburg courthouse, urge change in health insurance system
More Health/Employee Benefits NewsLife Insurance News