LouisvilleKY Mayor reminds people the Affordable Care Act is still the law, open enrollment starts this week

Enrollment period is shorter this year and ends Dec. 15. ‘Don’t wait,’ Mayor says

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today joined agency officials and public health advocates to remind those without health insurance that they can enroll for a Qualified Health Plan under the Affordable Care Act starting on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

The open enrollment period is much shorter than in years past, ending on Dec. 15.

“With all the news about what’s been going on and not going on in Washington in regard to the Affordable Care Act, people may not realize that they can still enroll,” the Mayor said. “This is quality insurance.  It covers hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive screenings and well child visits.  It even covers mental health and substance abuse treatment.  So if you don’t have health insurance, enroll before December 15th.  Better yet, don’t wait. Enroll this Wednesday. It may save your life!”

 

“Insurance under the Affordable Care Act is helping the people of our city to get healthier,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. “More people are getting health screenings for things like breast cancer and high blood pressure, and death rates for cancer, heart disease and diabetes are going down.  In the midst of the opioid crisis, it’s also more important than ever that people who need it have access to insurance that will cover drug treatment.”

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To help people understand their options and enroll, in-person help is also available from unbiased, trained and certified application assistors provided by Family Health Centers, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA)the Park DuValle Community Health Center; and the Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center.  To find an assistor go to Getcoveredlou.org.

“We encourage people to take advantage of the free help that’s available to them,” said Kelli Cauley, supervisor of the KIPDA Assister Program. “Our assisters can walk you through every step of the enrollment process. If you already have health insurance, we can help you look at your options. Plans, prices and financial assistance change every year so we can work with you to find the best plan for you and your family.”

People can also enroll at  HealthCare.gov or at 1-800- 318-2596.

“Having health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is having a profound effect on the lives of real people throughout our city and our state,” said Emily Beauregard, executive director of Kentucky Voices for Health. “Access to long deferred health care is not only saving lives, its giving people job mobility and financial stability,” she said.

The open enrollment period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 is for Qualified Health Plans in the individual marketplace. Those with insurance under Medicaid can enroll throughout the year and, for those wishing to change provider plans, a separate open enrollment period will be announced.