Take Care Utah Encourages People to Enroll in Health Insurance Before Open Enrollment Ends on December 15

Save money on insurance by visiting HealthCare.gov and avoid risky “junk insurance” sold on other websites

 For Immediate Release: December 10, 2020

Media Contact: Luis Rios | 801-899-9832 

Salt Lake City, UT – There’s still time to enroll in health insurance at HealthCare.gov, but the deadline is rapidly approaching. December 15th is the last day people can enroll in comprehensive health insurance for 2021. People who miss that deadline risk being uninsured for all of 2021.


“More than 102,000 Utahns have already enrolled in individual market coverage for 2021,” said Stacy Stanford, Health Policy Analyst. “There’s still time for people to sign up, but anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today. Don’t delay. Utah also has health care available year-round through CHIP and Medicaid, including our new expansion, which made Medicaid coverage more widely available to Utah families. If you have questions or think you may be eligible, reach out to our team.”

 

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In Utah, 88% of current marketplace consumers will have plans available for 2021 that cost less than $75 per month, after financial help. Nine out of ten marketplace enrollees in Utah received help paying premiums this year. In addition, half of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services. And even for the minority of HealthCare.gov consumers who don’t qualify for help, it’s worth taking a look at the options on HealthCare.gov. Premiums went down again this year, with the average premium for the lowest-cost plan falling by 2.9%. For Medicaid and CHIP, out-of-pocket costs are even lower, and premiums are suspended during the public health emergency.


Current marketplace consumers also have a great opportunity to save money in 2021 by visiting HealthCare.gov by December 15th to compare their plan options. In fact, consumers who visited HealthCare.gov to compare their plan options and select the plan that best fits their health and financial needs saved 38 percent per month, on average, in 2019, compared to consumers whose plans were automatically renewed. 

“Many people can find good deals on HealthCare.gov and receive financial assistance to help lower their monthly health care costs,” said Luis Rios, Lead Broker.  “Because plans and prices change year over year, it’s important to compare your plan options. Also, remember that HealthCare.gov is the only website where Utah consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage. Consumers buying skimpy plans will be exposed to serious risks."


Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. 

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.


The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local in-person help is available. You can find someone to help you navigate the enrollment process, and schedule a free remote assistance appointment by visiting www.TakeCareUtah.org/bookings or www.healthpolicyproject.org/remote-enrollment-options 
Consumers should log on to HealthCare.gov by December 15th to get the comprehensive health insurance they need. 

 

Maria Guadarrama, Take Care Utah Community Relations Director, added "The COVID-19 pandemic has exasperated pre-existing disparities, and has increased hardship, especially for communities that were already marginalized. Families who are concerned about food and housing security could find peace of mind in gaining health coverage and therefore avoiding unexpected health care costs. Take Care Utah can help Utahns get covered, as well as connect those who may be struggling to a wide range of community resources."

 

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Utah Health Policy Project

2369 W Orton Circle Suite 20 | West Valley City, Utah | 84119
Questions? Email stacy@healthpolicyproject.org 

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