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President Joe Biden announced Tuesday he would extend the special enrollment period for Americans to purchase Affordable Care Act health plans by three months, until August 15, as part of his administration's effort to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of Americans signed up for ACA coverage, commonly known as Obamacare, during an earlier special enrollment period Biden ordered from Feb. 15 to May 15. The second extension will help new and current enrollees take advantage of the enhanced subsidies included in the Covid-19 relief package that was signed into law earlier this month.
"When I ran for president, I promised I would build on the foundation of the Affordable Care Act. Just 50 days into my administration, we have delivered on that promise with the American Rescue Plan," Biden said Tuesday in a speech in Columbus, Ohio. "It does that by making health care more affordable; it means better coverage and lower premiums for millions of Americans."
The federal ACA insurance marketplace is typically only open for a limited annual enrollment period, usually a six-week window at the end of the year. If an individual wants to purchase a plan outside of that period, it is generally allowed only following a major change in life circumstances, such as the birth of a child or the loss of a job.
Biden's announcement Tuesday was made on the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law. The measure was passed in 2010, while he was serving as vice president to President Barack Obama.
"On this anniversary, we should remember just how close we have come to losing that act that we fought so hard for," Biden said. "We have a duty not just to protect it, but to make it better."
The visit to Ohio was part of the administration's "Help is Here" tour to highlight the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package, with Tuesday's trip aimed at promoting how the law expands health care coverage.
The Covid-19 relief package includes a boost in subsidies for most people who have coverage through the ACA’s marketplaces. The Department of Health and Human Services has estimated that Biden's American Rescue Plan will on average decrease those premiums by $50 per person per month and $85 per policy per month.
The additional assistance will be available starting April 1 to people enrolling in coverage through HealthCare.gov. Biden said Tuesday that four out of five Americans shopping for an ACA plan could get one for $10 or less per month.
"Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care — especially as we fight back against the COVID-19 pandemic," said Health and Human Services Secretary Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement.
Becerra and second gentleman Doug Emhoff also hit the road Tuesday to promote the health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan. Becerra traveled to Carson City, Nevada, and Emhoff to Omaha, Nebraska.
(NBC)
