For immediate release:

Alyson Cummings, Maine Health Access Foundation

(207) 620-8266 x 108 | acummings@mehaf.org

DEADLINE FAST-APPROACHING FOR

2014 MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Enroll207 encourages Mainers to sign-up by March 31st

AUGUSTA, MAINE (March 4, 2014)—Individuals and families seeking health insurance are finding more affordable health plans on the Affordable Care Act (also called “Obamacare”) online Health Insurance Marketplace. By the end of January 2014, more than 20,000 Mainers had selected a new health plan through the Marketplace.

More importantly, out of these 20,000 people, 89% of enrollees qualified for some level of financial assistance that lowered monthly and out of pocket costs. Many people have been surprised by how affordable health care coverage can be with the financial assistance provided through the Marketplace.

The fast-approaching deadline to enroll in a health plan for 2014 coverage is Monday, March 31^st. Mainers who are uninsured after the March 31^st deadline will be subject to a tax penalty of 1% of their annual household income or $95, whichever is higher. For example if your income were $42,500, you would pay $425 for 2014.

Purchasing health insurance can feel complicated, but Mainers can connect with free, certified local assisters on enroll207.com. Local assisters are trained to review health plan options through the Maine Health Insurance Marketplace, and assist individuals and families who wish to sign up for affordable coverage. To find a free local assister near you who can meet in-person or talk by phone, visit enroll207.com or call Consumers for Affordable Health Care toll free at 1-800-838-0388.

Numerous enrollment events and recurring “drop-in” hours are being held around the state leading up to the March 31^st deadline. Visit the Events page on enroll207.com for a comprehensive listing. You can also read stories of Mainers who have already signed up for more affordable health insurance through the Marketplace. Currently, enroll207.com is encouraging Mainers to share their experiences about signing up for a health plan at www.enroll207.com/share for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Winners will be selected each week through the end of March.

For more information, please visit www.enroll207.com

About enroll207.com:

enroll207.com is a project of the Maine Health Access Foundation, the state’s largest private, nonprofit foundation with a mission to promote access to quality health care, especially for those who are uninsured and underserved, and improve the health of everyone in Maine. The purpose of enroll207 is to connect Mainers to free certified assisters who can help Maine people review their options and enroll in new health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.