Spread the word about open enrollment
Posted on 11/01/17 by Katie Fallon in Basic Needs + Unemployment Insurance
Health care open enrollment begins November 1st, 2017. Despite a year of confusing attacks and changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it remains the law of the land. But, one of President Trump’s strategies to weaken the ACA has been to slash many consumer-oriented policies, meaning this year’s open enrollment period will look a lot different than the four periods before.
- Trump shortened the open enrollment period from 90 to 45 days. Individuals have from November 1 to December 15 to explore and enroll in plans.
- The president slashed funding for consumer outreach and navigation services, so there are fewer organizations to help individuals compare and enroll in plans. The cuts hit Ohio hit particularly hard, leaving no certified navigators on the ground. As a result, Ohioans have fewer resources to help them find an affordable plan.
- Some plans will increase in price. Insurers are raising premiums an extra 7 to 38 percent for the most-popular ACA health care plans, due to the Trump administration’s cost-sharing reduction cancellation sabotage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
- Polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows fewer than half of potential marketplace enrollees know they can enroll.
What actions can you take?
- Learn more about the plans that are offered. Start comparing different plans here.
- Find out how to enroll on your own. UHCAN’s Flyer and fact sheet provide a great primer.
- Spread the word to your network about the enrollment period and how they can sign up.
- This useful video also provides information on the process of enrollment.
- Share these resources with your networks and friends.