WHITE HOUSE VIDEO MESSAGE: Get Covered! Enroll in Health Care Starting Today

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

EMBARGOED UNTIL 6:00 AM ET, SATURDAY, November 15, 2014

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Get Covered! Enroll in Health Care Starting Today

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s message, Mayra Alvarez, Director of the State Exchange Group at the Department of Health and Human Services reminded Americans that the Affordable Care Act open enrollment begins this weekend. In the past year more than 10 million people have gained health insurance, including more than seven million who enrolled in Health Insurance Marketplace coverage. They are proof that the Affordable Care Act is working, making health care more affordable, accessible, and of higher quality for millions of people. The President encouraged all Americans to take advantage of open enrollment, and remind their friends and families to do so as well.

The audio of the address and video of the message will be available online HERE.

Remarks of Mayra Alvarez, Director of the State Exchange Group at the Department of Health and Human Services

Spanish Weekly Address

The White House

November 15, 2014

Hi, everybody, I am Mayra Alvarez, Director of the State Exchange Group at the Department of Health and Human Services. Over the past year, more than 10 million Americans have gained the financial security and peace of mind that comes with health insurance. This includes 2.6 million Latinos gained health insurance coverage during the last period of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act.

More than seven million people enrolled in affordable coverage by visiting HealthCare.gov, CuidadoDeSalud.gov or going to the marketplace in their state. On average, they’re paying just $82 a month for coverage. For a lot of people, that’s less than a cell phone bill or a cable bill. Insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage just because you have a preexisting condition, and they now have to cover free preventive care like checkups and mammograms this is already happening for 8.8 million Latinos with private insurance.

If you missed your chance to get covered last year, here’s the good news. Starting today, you can go online or call 1-800-318-2596 and get covered for 2015. You can get personalized assistance in Spanish and because we’ve spent the last year improving and upgrading HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalud.gov, it’s faster and easier to use.

If you already buy insurance through the online marketplace, now is the time to take a look at some new options for next year. You might be able to save more money, or find a plan that fits your family’s needs even better than the one you’ve got now. If you haven’t signed up for insurance yet, this is your chance. Odds are, you’ll qualify for tax credits to help you afford it. And if you’re under 26, you can stay on a parent’s health insurance plan, which has already benefitted 913,000 Latinos.

But this window won’t stay open forever. You only have three months to shop for plans, so it’s worth starting right away. And it might make a big difference for your family’s bottom line.

So spread the word. Tell your friends and family members to get covered. Talk to folks in your church or your classroom. Tell them to take a few minutes to check out Healthcare.gov, CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 – it can make a big difference in their lives. Let them know that it’s easy, it’s affordable, and that they have just three months, starting today, to sign up. Together, we can make sure that even more of America gets covered in the year ahead.

Thanks, and have a great weekend.   

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