Statement from Enroll America & Get Covered Tennessee:

On the evening of Dec. 15, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage that begins on Jan. 1, 2016 would be extended until December 17. Tennesseans who want to enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace must enroll by Dec. 17 if they want their new coverage to begin on New Year’s Day. For consumers who need to renew their coverage, the 17th is also the deadline to choose a plan so they don’t experience any gap in coverage as the new year begins.

Uninsured consumers who want to schedule a free, in-person appointment with an enrollment assister than can help you explore options and enroll in a plan can log on to GetCoveredTenn.org or call (844) 644-543.

 
With this enormous opportunity still available, Enroll America encourages all uninsured Tennesseans to take advantage of the quality plans and financial assistance available through the Affordable Care Act —or potentially face a fine for going without health insurance in 2016.
 
Here are five things every Tennessean needs to know about getting coverage that will begin on January 1, 2016:
 

1. The first open enrollment deadline has been extended until tomorrow (Dec. 17).

The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace lasts three months, from November 1 until January 31, 2016. During this time, Tennesseans are able to enter the Marketplace and select a plan that fits their needs and budget. Tennesseans who currently have coverage through the Marketplace or an individual plan outside the Marketplace will also have an opportunity to shop the new options available and find the best plan for them. Enrolling by tomorrow will guarantee that their coverage will start on New Year’s Day, providing them with the peace of mind that comes with protecting themselves and their families.

2. 85% of Tennesseans got financial help to make their plan more affordable! 

For many Tennesseans, affordability is a real concern in their health care decision-making. In the past, high premium costs have forced many to go without health insurance simply because they couldn’t afford it.

The good news is that financial help is available to help you pay for your plan. In fact, as of June 2015, more than 177,000 Tennesseans were enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace, and 85% of them received financial assistance to make their monthly payments affordable. To find out how much financial assistance you qualify for through the Affordable Care Act, you can check out the Get Covered Calculator tool at GetCoveredAmerica.org/Calculator.

3. In-person help is available to help you understand your options and enroll in a plan. 

The enrollment process can be confusing for many, especially if you’ve gone a long time without coverage. Luckily, there is free, in-person enrollment help available in your area. These are unbiased experts in your community who are certified to sit down with you, explain your options, and help you make the best coverage decision for you and your family. They can also help you renew your plan if you’re already insured through the Affordable Care Act and want to keep your coverage or choose a new plan. You can find someone near you and make an appointment by using the Get Covered Connector tool at GetCoveredTenn.org.

4. Plans and prices change every year, and now you can compare your options easily. 

Everybody’s needs and financial situations are different, and the wide variety of plans can be intimidating. That’s why Get Covered America has introduced the Get Covered Plan Explorer, a free web-based plan comparison tool that can provide you with up-to-date and easy to understand information on your health coverage options. 

By answering a few simple questions about your household, the Plan Explorer will generate a list of available plans that meet your needs – including the plans that cover your doctors. The tool also takes into account the monthly premium and estimated out-of-pocket costs, so you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll pay throughout the year. Using side-by-side comparisons, you can be confident that you’re choosing the plan that best fits your needs and your annual budget. Explore your options now at GetCoveredAmerica.org/Explorer.

5. You may face a fine come tax time if you remain uninsured. 

This enrollment period is an opportunity to not only gain access to quality affordable healthcare for you and your family, but to also avoid paying a fine when you file your taxes. If you do not enroll in a plan by the final deadline of January 31, 2016, you could face a fine of $695 or 2.5% of your yearly income, whichever is greater. The fine will increase each year, making it more and more costly to delay complying with the law – on top of having to pay out-of-pocket for costly health services during the year. Enrolling in coverage could not only save your family $695 or more, but also provides covers free preventative care, prescription drug coverage, and other essentials for a healthy life.
 
You can learn more about the Affordable Care Act, your coverage options, and how you can help your friends and family get covered at GetCoveredAmerica.org.

To schedule an appointment with an enrollment assister who will meet with you - for free - to help you explore your options and enroll in a plan, you can log on to GetCoveredTenn.org or call (844) 644-5443.

About Enroll America and Get Covered America

Enroll America is the nation's leading health care enrollment coalition. An independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Enroll America works with more than 6,700 partners in all 50 states to create cutting-edge tools, analyze data, inform policy, and share best practices in service of its mission: maximizing the number of Americans who enroll in and retain health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. 

The Get Covered America campaign was created in 2013 to inform millions of eligible consumers about their new health insurance options, and has been tested, refined, and proven successful through two enrollment cycles. Get Covered America programs and tools are now being utilized by partners in enrollment efforts nationwide, supported by more than 100 Enroll America staff working both nationally and on-the-ground in targeted communities across the country.