UPDATE: HHS Reports 53,872 people signed up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace in Utah

News Release U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 202-690-6343 media@hhs.gov www.hhs.gov/news Twitter @HHSMedia

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

In Utah, 53,872 people signed up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace HHS encourages consumers to enroll before the December 15 deadline

Heading into the final days before the December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage, over 2.8 millionconsumers selected a plan in the HealthCare.gov platform as of December 5, 2015, including 53,872 in Utah.  This includes both new consumers and consumers returning to shop for private health insurance plans sold on Healthcare.gov. “I am pleased with the strong start to this year’s Open Enrollment,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said.  "While we have more work to do, more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for affordable quality coverage in the 38 states that use HealthCare.gov. And existing Marketplace customers who have returned and shopped for a more affordable plan are paying less in premiums this year than they were paying last year. Time is running out to sign up for a health plan that begins on January 1. With less than a week remaining before the December 15thdeadline, we urge consumers to visit Healthcare.gov and get enrolled.” Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began November 1, 2015, and runs through January 31, 2016. However, it’s important to note that individuals who need coverage starting January 1, 2016 must sign up by the December 15, 2015 deadline. Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a fee of $695 or more. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.  As we near the December 15 deadline officials from HHS are available for print, radio and television interviews. To request an interview with an official from HHS, email press@cms.hhs.gov.  Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Utah: Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 53,872 Utah consumers have selected a plan in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. Plans for 2016 are affordable, 77 percent of Utah enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. For 2016, 90 percent of returning Utah HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average  of $723 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop. When Utah customers visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of quality health coverage options available. For 2016, Utah consumers can choose from 5 issuers and an average of 70 plans.  Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Utah have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional. Visit LocalHelp@HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered. Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone. New HealthCare.gov Digital Press Kit: Download b-roll, stock photos, and find recent data releases. Bookmark this page now and visit often. The page will be updated with new images and resources as we progress through Open Enrollment.

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