Thanks to a special COVID-19 open enrollment period just announced by the Biden Administration, people now have the opportunity to enroll in health insurance coverage through the federal insurance Marketplace, but time is limited. This new COVID-19 open enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021.

Nearly nine out of ten HealthCare.gov marketplace enrollees in Tennessee received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. The deadline to apply is May 15.

"More than 200,000 Tennesseans enrolled in a health insurance plan during open enrollment last fall," said Carly Southworth, Chief Program Officer at Family & Children's Service (F&CS). "F&CS operates Get Covered Tenn, the Affordable Care Act outreach and enrollment initiative for the state of Tennessee. Anyone who needs health insurance now should call us at 866-475-7879 or visit www.GetCoveredTenn.org and take advantage of this special opportunity."

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but www.GetCoveredTenn.org offers free, unbiased assistance to those seeking help with health insurance on the federal health insurance marketplace. There is no charge for these services. Alternatively, consumers not needing assistance can enroll in insurance products through the www.HealthCare.gov federal website.

Health insurance through www.HealthCare.gov is often more affordable than many people think. In Tennessee, 68% of current Marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. In addition, 52 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

"Many people can find affordable insurance on www.HealthCare.gov and even receive financial assistance to help lower their monthly health insurance costs," said Southworth.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on www.HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive-care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

For more information about purchasing insurance through the federal marketplace, the special open enrollment period, or www.GetCoveredTenn.org, call 866-475-7879 or visit www.getcoveredtenn.org. For more information about Family & Children's Service, visit www.fcsnashville.org.