South Dakota Democratic Party Issues Statement on Beginning of Open Enrollment

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Nov. 2 -- The South Dakota Democratic Party issued the following statement by Executive Director Sam Parkinson encouraging people to sign up for healthcare coverage through HealthCare.gov. Today marks the beginning of this year's Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15:

"Today is the first day of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period. Due to countless Republican attempts to sabotage the healthcare system, spread misinformation, and make the process of signing up for affordable health care more difficult - such as cutting the enrollment period in half, slashing funding used for advertising and outreach programs, and abandoning state partnerships that help people enroll in healthcare coverage - it is important that every South Dakotan knows how to enroll and has the opportunity to get covered.

"Any South Dakotan who wants to get covered should visitHealthCare.gov between now and December 15th to see what coverage is available and to sign up for coverage.

"Contrary to Republican claims, many people who have enrolled for coverage through Healthcare.gov have been surprised by how much they save; eight out of ten people who have enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov qualified for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. In fact, most people can find a health insurance plan from $50 to $100 per month.

"Despite the Republican misinformation and sabotage campaigns, the ACA continues to provide coverage for millions of Americans. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office expects 11 million people to enroll in ACA exchanges next year. On top of that, the law is more popular than ever. A record 54 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of the ACA and 62 percent want to see the law maintained.

"With the start of open enrollment today, Americans can sign up for healthcare and show Republicans that they need to end their sabotage and misinformation campaigns and work with Democrats to build on the progress of the ACA and make timely and affordable healthcare a reality for every American."