13,194 people in Hawaii signed up for coverage through HealthCare.gov

Only 4 days remain before final enrollment deadline for 2016 coverage

News Release from US Department of Health and Human Services

With less than one week remaining before the final enrollment deadline on January 31, about 8.9 million consumers have already signed-up for health coverage through the HealthCare.gov platform or had their coverage automatically renewed, including 13,194 in Hawaii.

“The clock is ticking with just four days left before January 31, the final enrollment deadline for 2016 health coverage,” said U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, Sylvia Burwell. “We are focused on making sure people know that financial help is available, the deadline is fast approaching and that we’re here to help them enroll – so that they don't risk having to pay a penalty of $695 or more for not having health insurance.”

Today’s enrollment snapshot also includes the number of people who selected a plan or were automatically reenrolled within local media markets. As of January 23, 13,194 consumers in the Honolulu local media market area selected or were automatically enrolled in a plan

Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a fee of $695 or more. Consumers are encouraged to visit HealthCare.gov to review and compare health plan options and find out if they are eligible for financial assistance, which can help lower monthly premiums and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Hawaii:

1. Time is running out. January 31, 2016 is the final deadline for you to sign up at HealthCare.gov for 2016 coverage.

2. Thousands in Hawaii have already enrolled. Since Open Enrollment began on November 1, 13,194 Hawaii consumers have selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled.

3. Financial help is available. In the first month of Open Enrollment, 83 percent of Hawaii consumers who selected health insurance plans were determined eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums.

4. There’s still time to make changes. If you had coverage in 2015 and learned that your plan was automatically renewed for 2016, you still have time to shop plans and make changes. If you find better plan for your family is available, you can change plans at any time before the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2016.

5. Picking a plan and signing up for coverage is easier than ever. Every year we find new ways to make signing-up for a plan simpler. You can even apply on a cell phone.

Free, expert 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.

• Online: Information is available at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov.

• By phone: Call center representatives are available to help all day, every day at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Assistance is available in 150 languages. The call is free.

• In person: Consumers can find local help at by visiting: Localhelp.healthcare.gov