Today marks the start of the open enrollment period for new health insurance options that are part of the health care law, also known as Obamacare. We’ve waited a long time for this day. The law passed three years ago and the National Women’s Law Center worked hard for the passage so we’re celebrating today as major step forward towards high-quality, affordable health insurance for all.
Today marks the start of the open enrollment period for new health insurance options that are part of the health care law, also known as Obamacare. We’ve waited a long time for this day. The law passed three years ago and the National Women’s Law Center worked hard for the passage so we’re celebrating today as major step forward towards high-quality, affordable health insurance for all.
There’s a lot of confusing information out there, so we wanted to share some key information about what today really means and encourage you to join us in celebration.
Starting today, millions of women can access new health insurance options through Health Insurance Marketplaces. People who are uninsured or purchase coverage on the individual market will have many new options for high quality, affordable health insurance. The Marketplace will allow you to comparison shop to find the plan that best meets your needs and budget.
Although you can begin enrolling today, coverage won’t be effective until as early as January 1, 2014. Go to healthcare.gov to find out how to enroll in your state. Today is just the beginning of a six month long open enrollment process so there is ample time to learn more and compare. But, be sure friends and family sign up by December 15th, for coverage effective January 1st.
All plans offered on the marketplace will cover important health services, including maternity care, hospitalization, emergency room visits, prescription drugs, behavioral health, and preventive care. Plus, your preventative services will be covered without any cost sharing.
In the past, health insurance companies discriminated against women by charging more for health coverage or denying them care for pre-existing conditions. But today, in the new Marketplaces, millions of women and their families will be eligible for financial help to pay for a new health insurance plan depending on their income.
If you still have questions or are looking for more resources, we’ve got you covered:
- Our new toolkit provides key information about new health insurance options mean for women and answers many frequently asked questions.
- We also have state specific information to make sure you know what’s going on close to home.
- At healthcare.gov, you can find out more about the different coverage options and browse the site to find answers to specific questions.
And, even with a government shutdown, the Marketplaces and all of the health care law will continue to function with the federal government closed.
There’s a lot to celebrate!