WS Chronicle

Special to The Chronicle

As of Dec. 19, the number of consumers signed up for Marketplace coverage surged to more than 8.2 million nationally, including 544,950 in North Carolina. Those who selected a plan by Dec. 17 or were auto re-enrolled will have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2016.

High consumer demand as we neared the enrollment deadline for Jan. 1 coverage, as well as the automatic renewal process, contributed to this overall total.

“Millions of Americans will start 2016 with the quality and affordable health coverage they want and need to keep their families healthy and financially secure,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “We are encouraged by the strong start we experienced in the first half of Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage, and know we have ongoing work to do. We are focused on making sure North Carolina families looking for coverage understand their options through the Marketplace, know about the financial assistance available, and have access to the support they need to enroll.”

These data, for the first time, reflect the vast majority of consumers who were automatically re-enrolled into 2016 coverage. The re-enrollment process has not yet been completed so as it continues, upcoming snapshots will include additional consumers who were automatically re-enrolled after Dec. 19. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting Jan. 1 that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2016.

Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1, 2015, and individuals can still enroll in coverage through Jan. 31, 2016. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.

Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a fee of $695 or more.

Facts about Open Enrollment in North Carolina:

Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 544,950 North Carolina consumers have selected a plan through Dec. 19.

Plans for 2016 are affordable, 81 percent of North Carolina enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.

For 2016, 84 percent of returning North Carolina HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average  of $663 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting Jan. 1 that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on Jan. 31, 2016.

When North Carolina customers visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of quality health coverage options available. For 2016, North Carolina consumers can choose from three issuers and an average of 24 plans.

Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in North Carolina have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.

Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find a listing of enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.

Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.