Sign up to receive email updates
The Affordable Care Act is Working
Since its enactment in 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped tens of millions of Americans get the health care they need:
- More than 20 million previously uninsured Americans now have health insurance:
- Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians have purchased private health insurance through Healthcare.gov
- Nearly 700,000 more Pennsylvanians have health insurance due to the ACA's Medicaid expansion
- 137 million Americans can now get free preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings
- 100 million Americans no longer have to worry about insurance companies cutting off their insurance benefits if they get really sick; the ACA prohibits annual or lifetime benefit limits in health insurance policies
- 130 million Americans who were previously penalized by insurers for pre-existing conditions can no longer be discriminated against or denied coverage
- Most participants in the ACA Marketplaces are getting health insurance coverage at very affordable premium levels:
- More than 7 in 10 (72%) of current Marketplace enrollees can find a plan for $75 or less in premiums per month after applicable tax credits in 2017
- Nearly 8 in 10 (77%) can find a plan for less than $100 in premiums per month
- Marketplace tax credits adjust to match changes in consumer’s benchmark silver plan premium
- Of the nearly 1.3 million HealthCare.gov consumers who did not receive tax credits in 2016, 22% may be eligible for new tax credits in 2017
Seniors
- Prescription drugs are more affordable: 8.2 million seniors have saved a combined $11.5 billion since 2010
- Nearly 40 million Medicare beneficiaries now qualify for free Medicare preventive care services
- The ACA extended the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 13 years
Young Adults
Small Businesses
- Many small businesses qualify for a tax credit that can lower their premiums by as much as 50%
- Insurance companies must now spend at least 80% of the premium dollars they collect on providing health care.
An Open Enrollment period for the ACA Health Insurance Exchanges begins on November 15 each year. During Open Enrollment, you can sign up for a plan, change to a different plan, or elect to keep your existing plan. If you want your coverage to begin on the following January 1, you must enroll by December 15. Open Enrollment for each year ends on February 15 of that year.
Want help, have questions, or need more information as you explore your options in the Marketplace? You can learn more about your health insurance options at the HealthCare.gov website (CuidadoDeSalud.gov), which has all the information you need to choose a health insurance plan that is best for you or your family.
No computer? No problem. You can call a toll-free number, 1-800-318-2596, and talk to a trained customer service representative about the Marketplace. Hearing impaired callers using TTY/TDD technology can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance. You can also find contact information for local organizations that can assist you by visiting https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/.
You can always get help from my office as well. My staff will work diligently to address any problems you experience with your health care or health insurance. For help with the application process or questions you may have, please feel free to contact my Penn Hills office at 412-241-6055 or stop by the office, which is located at 11 Duff Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235.