Mayor Nutter Encourages Philadelphians to Sign Up for Open Enrollment Under the Affordable Care Act

September 30, 2013– Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act will begin October 1, 2013. He encouraged uninsured Philadelphians to research and compare plans and enroll in a plan that meets their needs.rnrn“Today, thousands of Philadelphians go uninsured, risking their physical, mental, emotional and fiscal health,” said Mayor Nutter. “The Affordable Care Act will ensure the affordability and accessibility to healthcare for every citizen in our city, state and nation. I want to encourage Philadelphians to do their own research and enroll in a plan that works for them and their families because Philadelphians deserve a healthcare system that works in their best interest and provides high-quality, affordable care.”rnrnCoverage can begin as early as January 1, 2014. Open enrollment for 2014 health insurance coverage closes March 31, 2014. Individuals will only be eligible for 2014 enrollment if a qualifying life event, like loss of a job, birth or divorce occurs.rnrnHealth Insurance Marketplace assistance is free and available online at www.healthcare.gov or by phone at 1-800-318-2596 or 1-855-889-4325.rnrnAdditional Affordable Care Act resources are available online at www.enrollamerica.org and www.getcoveredamerica.org or on the City of Philadelphia’s Health Department website at www.phila.gov/health/commissioner/healthreform.html.rnrnPhiladelphians can also call 311 for assistance and referrals.