DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – Utahns able to qualify for healthcare plans through the Affordable Healthcare Act are signing up in larger numbers this year – 46,652 of them as of Nov. 26 – according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

That’s about 10,000 more Utahns enrolling in health insurance through the government’s online insurance marketplace than did last year at this same time. Those finding health insurance through the marketplace may also qualify for federal tax credits that help reduce their total out-of-pocket cost of insurance.

Over 2.1 million people selected plans using the HealthCare.gov platform since open enrollment began Nov. 1; this includes both new consumers and consumers renewing their coverage on Healthcare.gov.

Utahns have until Jan. 31, 2017, to sign up for insurance on healthcare.gov. However, the deadline is Dec. 15 if individuals want their coverage to begin Jan. 1.

“With plans available for less than $75 per month in premiums, 2.1 million Americans, including 46,652 in Utah, have already selected coverage through HealthCare.gov, more than had signed up at this time last year,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a press release issued Wednesday.

“I hear from people across the country just how much coverage matters to them, so I continue to encourage all Utahns who need health insurance for 2017 to visit HealthCare.gov and check out their options,” Burwell added.

Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.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. 

President-elect Donald Trump recently announced his intention to nominate Seema Verma to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Sen. Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the Center for Medicate and Medicaid Services (CMS), issued a statement in support of Verma’s nomination.

Hatch said that American middle-class families have been “financially devastated” by the Affordable Care Act.

“Verma’s strong health policy background will benefit the reform effort at CMS, a mammoth agency whose responsibilities ballooned under President Obama and his health law,” Hatch stated.

Read more: Hatch issues statements of support for 3 recent proposed Trump nominations

Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Utah:

1. Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 46,652 Utah consumers have selected a plan using the HealthCare.gov platform.
2. Coverage could be more affordable than you think.  76 percent of Utah Marketplace enrollees can find plans with a premium for less than $75 per month .  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.
3.  Shopping for a better deal could save you money. For 2017, HealthCare.gov consumers in Utah could save an average of $302 annually in premiums for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop.  If you had coverage through HealthCare.gov for 2016, you should come back to update your information and compare your options for 2017.
4.  It’s easier than ever to find a plan that meets your needs and budget. This year, when consumers come to HealthCare.gov, shoppers will find a stream-lined, user-friendly process. Comparing plans online or on mobile will be an intuitive, step-by-step process to click or swipe through. Simple, easy-to-understand presentation of plan features like cost-sharing and provider networks will help consumers find what works for them.
5. Help is available. Free, confidential help can be found in person or by phone.

• Call 1-800-318-2596 for confidential assistance 24/7, in English or Spanish.
• Visit HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalud.gov.
• Free in-person help is also available in your community, visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/ to find a listing of enrollment centers and events in Utah.

Open enrollment for 2017 ends on January 31, 2017. 

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