Give thanks, get covered

Later today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else.

So today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most thankful for, I encourage you to ask a second question: “Are you covered?”

We are half way through this year’s open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces, and already more than one and a half million Americans have signed up for health insurance for next year – that’s nearly 50 percent higher than enrollment rates this time last year. Hundreds of thousands more Americans are going to healthcare.gov and finding affordable health care that works for them. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month.

Anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, can find a health care plan that works for them in the ACA marketplace on healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com if you live in Delaware. Enrollment is quick, and help is standing by to discuss your coverage options.

The health of our loved ones is our most deeply held desire. But the December 15th deadline to sign up for coverage in 2018 is right around the corner. So this Thanksgiving, spread the word to family, friends and neighbors that health care is available to everyone. Don’t let your loved ones go without health care in 2018.

I wish all of you and your families a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Take care and God bless.