The ACA Turns 11 During a Special Open Enrollment Period

Dear Friend,

Eleven years ago today, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law and our nation took a monumental step to help expand health care coverage and protections to American families across the country. In the years since its inceptions, millions of Americans, including tens of thousands of Delawareans, have been able to access affordable quality health care coverage through the health care marketplace. Thanks to the ACA, Americans also no longer have to worry about being denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how important these protections afforded by the ACA have been. And Under President Biden’s leadership, we are working to build on the progress we made with the ACA to expand coverage and reduce health care costs for even more Americans.

President Biden understands that it is critical for Americans to be able to access the care and coverage they need during an unprecedented pandemic. That’s why he’s implemented a new open enrollment period so that Delawareans, and families across this country, have another chance to enroll in a health insurance plan and get covered this year. From now through May 15, you can enroll in a plan that works for you and your family’s needs by going to HealthCare.gov or www.ChooseHealthDE.com.

During the most recent enrollment period, more than 25,000 Delawareans signed up for care in 2021. However, about 6.6 percent of Delawareans still remain uninsured. Signing up for health insurance is easy, and you can find affordable options that work best for your budget. In 2020, about 86 percent of enrollees in the First State were eligible for federal tax credits, which help reduce monthly premium costs.

During these trying times, we have a responsibility to protect our loved ones and ourselves. That means wearing a mask, staying home, socially distancing and getting a vaccine when it’s your turn. It also means not leaving your family’s well-being to chance. You can do that by enrolling in an affordable, high-quality health insurance plan today that meets your needs and your budget.

Stay safe and stay healthy,

Tom Carper