Hoyer Video Message on Open Enrollment for the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released a video message today on open enrollment for plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace for 2015. The open enrollment period began November 15 and will run through Sunday, February 15. Below is a link to the video and a transcript of his remarks: 

Click here to watch the video.

“Hello,  I’m Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of the House of Representatives with an important message about your health insurance coverage next year.

“Right now, all across America, anyone who isn’t covered by health insurance or wants to explore more affordable and higher quality coverage options can log on to www.healthcare.gov to browse plans and enroll for 2015.

“The federal Health Insurance Marketplace’s open enrollment season began on November 15, and it will remain available until February 15. But if you want to enroll and have coverage begin on the first of January, you have to sign up by December 15. 

“Even if you have insurance, it’s worth taking a few minutes to browse healthcare.gov to see if there is a higher quality, more affordable plan that’s right for you, your family, or your employees if you own a small business.

“In addition, you may be eligible for a tax credit to help you afford coverage under a plan offered through the marketplace. 

“As a result of the Affordable Care Act, you and your family are now protected by important safeguards.

“Insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition.  

“If you are a woman, you can’t be charged a higher premium than a man for the same coverage.  

“And for those who are insured and become sick, your insurer can’t just drop your coverage and can’t impose annual or lifetime limits that leave you to pay out of pocket expenses for the treatment you may need. 

“So I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to visit www.healthcare.gov today and explore your options.  You don’t have to enter any personal information just to browse plans – you'll do that only once you find a plan that’s right and choose to enroll.

“Again, if you want to be covered starting on January 1, you’ll need to enroll by December 15, so don’t delay.

“For those without access to the internet or who prefer not to enroll online, you can get information and sign up through the Marketplace’s call center at (800) 318-2596.  Again, the Marketplace's call center is (800) 318-2596.

“Thank you, and you can visit www.healthcare.gov right now if you follow the link below.”