Contact:

Gregg Ross, U.S. HHS

312-886-1788 (O)
312-288-9183 (C)
Gregg.ross@hhs.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2017
As Critical Enrollment Deadline Approaches, Cook County Board
President Preckwinkle and Officials Make Announcements about the
Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
CHICAGO --With the deadline fast approaching for health coverage to begin on February 1 and the last
deadline of this years Open Enrollment Period approaching on January 31st, officials and community
leaders announce new information about the marketplace and opportunities for consumers to enroll.
Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Cook County
Health and Hospitals Systems CEO Dr. John Jay Shannon, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) Regional Director Kathleen Falk came together with patient advocate groups and local
health insurance navigators at Stroger Hospital in Chicago with this alert: To have Marketplace Health
Insurance that begins February 1, the enrollment deadline is midnight on January 15 and consumers
have until January 31 to enroll for coverage during this years Open Enrollment Period.
The Affordable Care Act has been a godsend to so many of our residents who previously lacked health
insurance, said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. We want everyone to remember that
the ACA remains the law of the land and that the deadline for ensuring coverage of February 1 is fast
approaching.
While so many residents now have health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we dont want
anyone to wake up on February 1 without the opportunity to get covered, said Congressman Danny K.
Davis.
The good news for folks in Illinois is that are a lot of choices for consumers, HHS Regional Director
Falk noted, and that means affordable rates. In fact, 6 out of 10 in Illinois can get this top quality
insurance for $100 a month or less because of the tax credits available.

From November 1 to Dec 31, over 351,000 enrolled in Illinois and a record-breaking 11.5 million
enrolled nationwide. Additionally, between 2010 and 2014, the share of Americans with pre-existing
conditions that went without health insurance all year fell by 22 percent, meaning 3.6 million fewer
people with pre-existing conditions went uninsured.

And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, added Falk, Consumers benefit from a host of protections and
services. For example, 5.6 million in Illinois can no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing
conditions; young people can stay on their parents plan till they turn 26 years old; and consumers can
receive free preventative services such as cancer screenings and well-child visits at no cost, said Falk.
What could be more important than healthcare for you and your family? I encourage everyone to check
out the many options availableyou can even enroll on your mobile phone, said Cook County Health
and Hospitals Systems CEO Dr. Jay Shannon.
The Illinois Coalition for Health Access is comprised of federally-certified Navigators and advocacy
groups working across the state to help people enroll in and understand their health coverage options.
Navigators provide free, confidential enrollment assistance and are currently taking appointments.
We are here to help people understand their options and empower them to make informed decisions
about their health care coverage. Our assistance is free and confidential, said Graciela Guzman, Chair of
the Illinois Coalition for Health Access.
Since the first open enrollment season we have seen how the Affordable Care Act has greatly improved
Illinoisans access to affordable health insurance, said Stephani Becker of the Sargent Shriver National
Center on Poverty Law. From 2013 to 2015, the states uninsured rate has dropped from 14.2% to 7.1%.
Whether you already have coverage from the Marketplace or are going to purchase insurance for the first
time, make sure to visit www.getcoveredillinois.gov to find a plan that works best for you and your
family, Becker added.
January 15 is the last chance to enroll in coverage through the Marketplace that starts February 1, 2017.
Open Enrollment for the Marketplace continues until January 31, 2017.
To schedule an appointment to meet with a Navigator, consumers should go online to
www.getcoveredillinois.gov or call 866-311-1119.
Anyone wishing to apply on their own or simply to explore their plan options can go to
www.healthcare.gov, or call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Upcoming Enrollment Events:
(To be filled in Monday)