Young Invincibles: Open Enrollment Begins – Nation’s Young People Can Enroll in Quality, Affordable Health Insurance Starting Today

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 -- The Young Invincibles, a non-profit, issued the following news release:

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- With prices dropping and more insurers offering plans on the health insurance marketplace, young Americans can enroll today in a plan that will cover them through 2020.

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Today marks the beginning of the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act marketplace, meaning uninsured and underinsured Americans can go to HealthCare.gov to shop for a plan, compare their options, and enroll to ensure they're covered in 2020. The open enrollment period runs from November 1 through December 15, 2019, in most states. Anyone who is uninsured and doesn't enroll in a plan by the December 15 deadline could face a year without the protection of quality health coverage.

* "We hear every day from young people across the country who say they value the security and peace of mind that health insurance gives them, but could use a helping hand when comparing their options and selecting a plan that fits their needs," said Erin Hemlin, Director of Health Policy and Advocacy at Young Invincibles. "With the open enrollment period now underway, every uninsured or underinsured young person can log on to HealthCare.gov, explore their options, and make apples-to-apples comparisons to select the best plan for them. In many places, prices for plans are dropping and more insurers are offering plans, so there's never been a better time to make sure you have the coverage you need."

To help young people as they consider their health coverage options, Young Invincibles has these five facts for comparing plans and selecting the best coverage option for yourself and your situation.

* Open enrollment runs from November 1 through December 15, 2019. Some states may extend their deadlines, but in order to have coverage that begins January 1, you must enroll by December 15.

* You can enroll in a plan through HealthCare.gov. Wherever you live, you should log on to HealthCare.gov first. If your state uses its own website, HealthCare.gov will guide you there. HealthCare.gov or your state-based marketplace can only sell ACA-compliant plans, so you can rest easy knowing you're getting a comprehensive plan that will be there for you when you need it.

* Plans through HealthCare.gov cover the essentials for keeping yourself healthy. HealthCare.gov plans must include key benefits that young people want, like mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage, and hospitalization services.

* Financial help is available to lower the cost of your plan. Most marketplace shoppers will qualify for a discount based on their income. This year, one in three returning shoppers who receive a premium tax credit could find a plan for just $10 or less. And nearly 9 in 10 shoppers qualify for some kind of financial assistance. Last year, more than eight in ten shoppers could get a plan for less than $100 per month.

* Plans are even more affordable than last year. Despite the Trump Administration's attempts to undermine the ACA, plans are actually more affordable than previous years, and more insurers have entered the marketplace, giving shoppers more options.

* There are many ways to enroll. Enrollees can log on to the official ACA marketplace at HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.Gov, call the marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596, or make an appointment for in-person assistance through the Get Covered Connector.

* Getting covered will give you the peace of mind and financial security that comes with knowing an unexpected injury or illness won't bury you in debt. There are so many reasons to sign up for affordable, comprehensive coverage. Join the millions who have gained health insurance thanks to the ACA!

Free, in-person enrollment help is available for anyone who wants a helping hand in comparing plans and selecting a plan. To schedule an appointment with an enrollment assister, you can visit the Get Covered Connector, enter your ZIP code, and select an appointment at a convenient time.