Tennesseans should sign up for health insurance before deadline passes

January is a time when many of us reassess our habits and resolve to adopt healthier ones. As you plan a new exercise routine and research meal plans, don't forget that purchasing health insurance is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term well-being.

Now is the time to seek the right plan for you and your family. Open Enrollment is here, and the marketplaces are open for business.

People who do not receive health insurance through an employer or the government can choose an insurance policy from the individual and small group insurance marketplace in their state.

Benefits of health care insurance

Tennesseans who are without health coverage for next year can visit HealthCare.gov to find a plan that best fits their needs until Jan. 15.

Access to coverage is associated with many benefits including receiving timely preventive care services, better management of chronic health conditions, greater workforce participation and longer life expectancy.

Mortality rates are generally 25% higher among people without insurance.

Having ready access to health care prevents higher insurance rates which lead to lower personal and overall costs.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28 million Americans did not have health insurance at any time in 2020. Two million more people were uninsured in 2020 compared to 2019.

Why Tennessee residents need coverage

It's estimated that more than 836,000 Tennesseans do not have insurance coverage, which is about 161,000 more than the previous year. This is one of the largest increases of uninsured populations by state in the nation.

Tennessee residents need to make their health plan decisions. There is financial help available – for those who qualify – in the form of subsidies that lower your monthly bill and reductions in out-of-pocket costs like co-payments and deductibles.

Consumers also should take advantage of the in-person help and enrollment events offered in their respective communities. It's a smart investment in yourself, your family and your health.

At Ascension Saint Thomas, we are committed to delivering on our Mission to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, and to achieve 100% access and 100% coverage in the communities we serve. Caregivers want to see more people than ever before receive the care they need – with fewer struggling to pay for it.

If you are without health insurance or receive insurance from the individual or small group marketplace, please visit HealthCare.gov.

You can also call 844-644-5443 to find the plan that is right for you.

This crucial step will help keep you and your loved ones healthy in the new year and beyond.

Nancy Anness is chief advocacy officer at Ascension and a practicing board certified family nurse practitioner.

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Nancy Anness

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