- June 26, 2021
This is the time to get covered and get vaccinated
Dear Friend,
As the country continues to battle COVID-19, it has never been more critical to enroll in high quality health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace to help ensure your family and loved ones are covered.
On June 17th, the highest court in our land reaffirmed this landmark law for the third time in history. The 7-2 decision from the Supreme Court means this legislation will continue providing bedrock patient protections and quality, affordable care for millions of families across Delaware and our entire nation. Americans living with a pre-existing condition can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they are no longer at risk of being denied coverage. Young Americans can continue staying on their parents’ plans until they turn 26, and seniors will continue receiving the prescription drug cost savings that the ACA delivers.
With President Biden in the White House, I have every confidence that our federal government will build upon the success of this law in the coming months and years, and ensure the ACA has the resources and support necessary to keep increasing access to affordable care for all Americans – regardless of zip code or income level. That’s why in March, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, which, aside from speeding up our vaccine distribution, also lowered health care premiums for millions of current Marketplace enrollees to ensure that no enrollee spends more than 8.5 percent of their income on premiums, irrespective of their income, as well as eliminate premiums altogether for many low-income individuals for two years.
Earlier this year, President Biden extended the ACA’s special open enrollment period so more Delawareans and families across the country have the chance to enroll in a health insurance plan. Almost 35,000 Delawareans are enrolled in health care coverage through the ACA. However, more than 6 percent of Delawareans remain uninsured. Now through August 15th, you can enroll in a plan that meets you and your family’s needs by visiting HealthCare.gov. Even if you have health insurance, you can also visit this site to see if you qualify for more affordable options.
We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to COVID-19. But to put this pandemic in our rear-view mirror for good, we must work harder to get shots into the arms of everyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. It saves lives, and as time goes on we are learning that almost all patients hospitalized for COVID-19 are Americans who lack the vaccine. Until you are fully vaccinated, make sure to wear a mask, especially when indoors, and stay socially distanced from others. Let’s all do our part to keep our communities safe.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tom Carper