Avelar Highlights Health Insurance Available for Recently Unemployed Individuals

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – To help local residents access health care services, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is highlighting tax credits for health insurance premiums available to individuals who received unemployment benefits this year.

“As Illinois works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical that families have access to affordable, quality health care services, including those who have faced job disruption,” Avelar said. “Now, thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the majority of individuals who have earned unemployment benefits this year are eligible for quality health insurance that costs less than $10 per month.”

As part of the American Rescue Plan advanced by President Biden, advance tax credits are available for individuals who received unemployment compensation for one or more weeks in 2021. With these advance tax credits, four out of five eligible people can access a health insurance plan for $10 or less per month and three out of five can access a plan for no net monthly cost according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Eligible people can visit the HealthCare.gov health insurance marketplace to explore plans and enrollment is open through Aug. 15. The marketplace is also available in Spanish at CuidadoDeSalud.gov/es/.

“I encourage individuals who have received unemployment benefits this year to visit the HealthCare.gov marketplace and explore health coverage options,” Avelar said. “As we continue our recovery, I’m committed to helping Illinois get back work and to making sure all Illinoisans can access quality, affordable health insurance coverage.”