Dear Friend,

Health insurance can protect you from astronomical costs when a serious accident or illness occurs. Did you know that the average cost for a three-day hospital stay is $30,000? Or that a broken leg can cost up to $7,500? Health insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs like these. Coverage could be more affordable than you think.

November 1st marks the start of HealthCare.gov’s open enrollment period for 2018 coverage.

From now until December 15, you can purchase a plan or renew your coverage through HealthCare.gov. Once you sign up, you will get coverage that starts on January 1, 2018.

Here are four facts you need to know about enrolling in coverage or renewing your coverage:

• The open enrollment period for HealthCare.gov for 2018 begins on November 1 and ends on December 15. The open enrollment period is the shortest ever – only 45 days. Beat the rush and sign up early.
• Coverage could be more affordable than you think.  That’s because financial help is available. During last year’s enrollment period, 8-in-10 people qualified for financial help – for most people that meant they could find insurance premiums between $50 and $100 per month.
• If you had coverage through HealthCare.gov for 2017, make sure to head back to update your information and compare your options for 2018, by December 15. Every year, plans and prices change. This year, it’s more important than ever to shop around!  You may find a plan that fits you better, for cheaper.
• Free help is available. If you have questions about signing up or want to talk through your options with a trained professional, free help is just a call or click away. The Call Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – call 1-800-318-2596. Or visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov where you will find organizations in your area that have trained enrollment assisters.

Take the time to learn about your options and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Very truly yours,

ROBERT C. "BOBBY" SCOTT
Member of Congress