LaPointe Promotes Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Marketplace

CHICAGO –With the deadline fast approaching, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is reminding community residents about the open enrollment period for the individual health insurance marketplace, which is currently ongoing in Illinois and ends on Sunday, Dec. 15.

“In order to build a stronger Illinois, I want to make sure all Illinoisans have access to affordable, high-quality health care, regardless of their background or any pre-existing condition,” LaPointe said. “For Illinoisans who cannot access health insurance through an employer, Medicare, or Medicaid, it is critical they understand that the individual marketplace is currently open to enroll for plans covering 2020.” 

The Get Covered Illinois (GCI) marketplace offers a range of plans representing varying levels of coverage ranging from Bronze to Silver to Gold. The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) reports that Silver plan levels have an average 5% decrease in cost for the upcoming year. Consumers who are already enrolled in a marketplace plan will be automatically enrolled into the same plan or a similar one by the same insurer for the 2020 year unless they choose to switch plans or insurers. Those seeking coverage for the entire 2020 year must select a plan by Dec. 15 for coverage that begins on Jan. 1, 2020. Consumers can view plans and enroll at GetCovered.Illinois.gov or HealthCare.gov. Consumers with questions can call the HealthCare.gov call center toll-free at 800-318-2596.

“I strongly encourage residents who currently do not have health insurance to visit the health insurance marketplace to find a plan that fits best,” LaPointe said. “Everyone, regardless of their circumstances or health outcomes, is deserving of high-quality healthcare they can actually afford.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.