Sens. Peters, Stabenow, Governor Whitmer Applaud President Biden's Actions to Reopen Health Insurance Marketplace

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed the announcement by President Biden that he will use his executive authority to reopen the federal marketplace selling Affordable Care Act health plans. During the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans have lost their health insurance. The open enrollment period for 2021 insurance coverage ended on December 15, 2020. President Biden's executive order reopens the sign-up period and provides people in Michigan without insurance the opportunity to secure the critical coverage they need during this unprecedented public health crisis.

The special enrollment period will begin on February 15, 2021 and end on May 15, 2021. People in Michigan looking to sign up for health coverage should visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

"Michigan families shouldn't need to worry about accessing quality, affordable health coverage for the care they need - especially during this pandemic," said Senator Peters. "I've repeatedly pressed to reopen enrollment because we are in an unprecedented public health crisis and Michiganders need access to health care coverage. I'm glad President Biden's Administration is taking this important step to reopen enrollment and I look forward to working with them to get through this pandemic together."

"Michigan families shouldn't have to choose between getting care for COVID-19 and being left with thousands of dollars in bills that they're unable to pay," said Senator Stabenow. "President Biden's reopening of the health insurance marketplace comes at a critical time for our state. He knows that families in Michigan are in desperate need of help right now and need access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage."

"No Michigander should have to worry about access to quality, affordable health care, especially during a pandemic," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan saw an estimated 46% increase in the number of uninsured adults, and there are still thousands of people who need coverage. President Joe Biden's executive order to reopen the health insurance marketplace will go a long way in expanding health coverage to Michiganders, and I couldn't be more grateful for his leadership during this difficult time."

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Peters, Stabenow and Whitmer have repeatedly called for actions to make it easier for those without health insurance to acquire coverage through the health insurance marketplaces.

In October, the senators sent a letter requesting an extension of the enrollment period. Governor Whitmer also requested an extension for the open enrollment period. In March, the senators urged the Trump Administration to open a special enrollment period so that people without health insurance could purchase a health care plan through the health insurance marketplace.