By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
November 1st marked the beginning of the third Open Enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act. During this period, millions of Americans will choose quality, affordable health insurance options for 2016.
The final day to enroll or change a healthcare plan is December 15, 2015. Those who meet the deadline will have an effective health insurance plan on January 1, 2016. The late enrollment period will conclude on January 31 for insurance beginning on March 1, 2016.
The Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Obama in 2010, has changed the social fabric of our nation. Now, millions of people who lacked health insurance are covered by plans that protect them and their families. The law eliminated pre-existing condition exclusions; allowed young adults to remain on their parent’s plan until the age of 26; ended many unfair practices by insurance companies; and allowed provider choice for treatment.
Prior to the Affordable Care Act, nearly five million Texans, representing 32 percent of our state’s population, were uninsured. They lacked access to routine care and regularly utilized hospital emergency rooms for their primary care. The Affordable Care Act expanded access to healthcare for people in Texas, allowing them to enroll in the federally-facilitated Marketplace when state officials refused to establish a State-Based Marketplace. The number of people that signed up in Texas was the second largest in the country, according to federal officials. Only the state of Florida exceeded Texas in signing up uninsured citizens.
The Affordable Care Acts also provides financial subsidies for individuals and families that need assistance to afford their health care premiums. This law, which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a tremendous benefit to individuals and families in our country. This law makes it clear that our country believes quality affordable healthcare is a fundamental right due to all Americans.
If you are applying for health insurance for the first time, please go to healthcare.gov and follow the simple instructions. You will be asked to identify your state of residence and prompted to answer some very simple questions. You will not be denied health care coverage because of prior health conditions.
I have fought for affordable healthcare for all Americans for more than 23 years. We finally have it. I urge you to utilize this opportunity and enroll to protect your health.
