***For Immediate Release***
March 15, 2016
Contact, Jeff Sheldon
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
Office: (402) 438-8853
Mobile: (402) 840-7289
jsheldon@neappleseed.org
Over 87,000 Nebraskans newly insured through Health Insurance Marketplace
88 percent of enrollees received tax credits to reduce cost of plans
LINCOLN — Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced more than 87,000 health coverage policies either were enrolled or re-enrolled during the third national enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
According to DHHS figures, 87,835 private plans were purchased through the Marketplace during the enrollment period that ran from November 2015 through January 2016. Approximately 33,000 were new customers. Last year, more than 74,000 Nebraskans purchased coverage during the Marketplace’s second enrollment period.
Additionally, 88 percent of people who bought policies received premium assistance to make coverage more affordable with the average plan costing $105 per month after the tax credits.
Eric Savaiano, State Coordinator for Enroll Nebraska, a statewide network of health care providers, community organizations, in-person assisters, and advocacy groups, said the second enrollment period was a big success in Nebraska.
“Nebraskans clearly know the value of having affordable health insurance, and this successful enrollment period shows the Marketplace is a valuable tool to help people find the affordable coverage they need,” Savaiano said. “The credit to this new record enrollment for Nebraska goes to all the outstanding work done by in-person assisters across the state to help people in their community explore their options and find affordable insurance plans.”
“These enrollment numbers speak volumes about the need for affordable health care,” said Amber Hansen, executive director of Community Action of Nebraska. “Nebraska is fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate network of Navigators and assisters available to help. The strength and resiliency of our communities depend on it.”
According to the DHHS report:
- 53 percent of selected plans cost less than $100
- 42 percent of selected plans cost less than $75
- 29 percent of selected plans cost less than $50
Members of Enroll Nebraska held special enrollment events and stayed open longer hours to ensure as many Nebraskans as possible found coverage for their families this period. At the start of January, the group started the ambitious “2016 in 2016” campaign to close the enrollment period strong.
Also starting this year, Nebraskans who called the free 2-1-1 service operated by United Ways of Nebraska, had the option of being directed to local assisters to help compare coverage plans if they needed health insurance.
Enroll Nebraska is a coalition of advocacy groups, health care providers, and community organizations that have joined together to connect and equip organizations with the resources they need to make sure all Nebraskans can enroll in health care coverage.
# # #