Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities
The Connection: News about overcoming health disparities in Utah

Monday, December 28, 2015

In Utah 143,391 People Are Enrolled In Marketplace Coverage


News Release
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 22, 2015 

In Utah 143,391 People Are Enrolled In Marketplace Coverage 
Over 8.2 million nationally have enrolled through December 19 

As of December 19, the number of consumers signed up for Marketplace coverage surged to more than 8.2 million nationally, including 143,391 in Utah. Those who selected a plan by December 17 or were auto reenrolled will have coverage effective January 1, 2016. High consumer demand as we neared the enrollment deadline for coverage, as well as the automatic renewal process, contributed to this overall total.
“Millions of Americans will start 2016 with the quality and affordable health coverage they want and need to keep their families healthy and financially secure,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. "We are encouraged by the strong start we experienced in the first half of Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage, and know we have ongoing work to do. We are focused on making sure Utah families looking for coverage understand their options through the Marketplace, know about the financial assistance available, and have access to the support they need to enroll."

These data, for the first time, reflect the vast majority of consumers who were automatically re-enrolled into 2016 coverage. The re-enrollment process has not yet been completed so as it continues, upcoming snapshots will include additional consumers who were automatically re-enrolled after December 19. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting January 1 that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2016.

Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began November 1, 2015 and individuals can still enroll in coverage through January 31, 2016. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov orCuidadodeSalud.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.

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.

Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Utah:

  1. Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 143,391 Utah consumers have selected a plan through December 19.
  1. 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.
  1. 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. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2016.
  1. 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
  1. Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Utah have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.
  1. Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.
  1. Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.
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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Follow HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell on Twitter @SecBurwell


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