Wisconsin State Sen. Erpenbach’s Column on Affordable Care Act

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 4 -- The Wisconsin Senate Democrats issued the following column by Wisconsin State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-27th District, on the Affordable Care Act:

Republicans in Washington DC have worked really hard to confuse their constituents about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and health care consumer options. Cutting the outreach budget and even shortening the enrollment period to make it more difficult for people to understand their rights and responsibilities is really attempted political sabotage. But in Wisconsin people are smarter than that and despite the efforts of President Trump and his friends in Washington DC, people will get covered and seek health care for themselves and their families. Wisconsin's uninsured rate has dropped by 38 percent since the Affordable Care Act went into effect.

According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, almost two-thirds of those in the individual insurance market in Wisconsin are on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace exchange. That means a large segment of people who would struggle to find affordable health insurance any other way are finding that coverage through the ACA. With 84 percent of the people in that ACA group receiving a subsidy - and in some cases a substantial subsidy - to help afford their premiums. Despite misinformation, these subsidies are still available to participants that qualify.

As of November 1st, Wisconsin residents and families can apply for a 2018 health plan, renew their current plan or pick a new plan through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace. The Affordable Care Act is still the law and people who buy their health care on the ACA Marketplace need to take action during a shortened enrollment period this year. With all of the political rhetoric from Washington DC, people have been confused about the current law and people should know the ACA still is the law and subsidies for those that enroll are expected to be even higher than last year for many.

Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 and continues until Dec. 15 for coverage that starts at the beginning of 2018. That's a considerably shorter enrollment period than past years. Plans sold on the Marketplaces will still offer comprehensive coverage and no one will be turned down or charged more because they have a preexisting medical condition. Individuals who don't have insurance next year, will owe a fine unless you meet specific guidelines to be excused.

People deserve access to affordable health care coverage and no one should fear going bankrupt because of a sudden illness or injury. 240,000 Wisconsinites depend on the ACA Marketplace for that security and more people than ever in Wisconsin get their health insurance in the Marketplace.

To sign up in Wisconsin visit www.healthcare.gov between now and December 15th to ensure enrollment for you and you and your family. For more information contact my office at sen.erpenbach@legis.wi.gov or 608-266-6670 or 888-549-0027.

This document was posted showing the date: Nov. 3, 2017.