Still Time to Enroll in 2017 Health Coverage, But Act Fast

It’s not too late to sign up for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health plan, but uninsured people should act quickly. The 2017 open enrollment door shuts on January 31.

With media reporting on Republicans’ plans to repeal the ACA, it’s no surprise that over 40,000 concerned consumers contacted the marketplace wondering whether to enroll, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The answer is yes. While the threat to repeal the ACA is real and millions will lose insurance if the GOP proceeds, there are no signs that the repeal will end coverage for those enrolled in 2017 ACA health plans.

People that haven’t enrolled because of confusion or fear related to the ACA’s future should join the more than 11.6 million people who have signed up already. By the end of the month the list of new enrollees will include former Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia M. Burwell, as her government coverage ends soon. Secretary Burwell shared publicly that her husband has a pre-existing health condition, which before the ACA might have prevented her family from getting coverage.

Those who enroll by January 31 can be confident that the ACA will continue to provide them access to comprehensive medical care and protection from financial instability. Those who miss the deadline won’t be able to enroll unless they experience a significant life change, such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

People can find out how to sign up and where to find local help on HealthCare.gov.