In Florida consumers qualify for an average tax credit of $297 per month through the Health Insurance Marketplaces

In Florida consumers qualify for an average tax credit of $297 per month through the Health Insurance Marketplaces

The Feb. 15 deadline is less than a week away; eight in 10 consumers can get coverage for $100 or less

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a report recently outlining the impact of advanced premium tax credits on premiums in the Health Insurance Marketplaces. In Florida 1,339,791 individuals are signed up for coverage through the Marketplace as of Jan. 30, and 93 percent of those are estimated to qualify for an average of $297 per person/month in advanced premium tax credits. On average, premium tax credits reduced consumers’ monthly premiums by 77 percent in Florida. Among all consumers who are signed up for 2015 coverage to date in the 37 HealthCare.gov states, eight in 10 could choose a plan with a premium of $100 or less after tax credits, based on available options.

These figures underscore the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in delivering quality, affordable health care coverage to millions of Americans. With only six days left until the Feb. 15 deadline to sign up for coverage through the Marketplaces, HHS encourages Florida consumers to check out their options for a quality, affordable health care plan. The vast majority – 93 percent – of individuals in Florida who are signed up through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial assistance.

“With just six days left before the Feb. 15 deadline and the end of this year’s Open Enrollment, millions of Americans already are counting on the financial assistance the Affordable Care Act provides to put quality, affordable health insurance coverage within reach,” HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said. “Consumers who sign up in Florida are saving $297 a month on their premiums on average, and in the 37 states using HealthCare.gov nearly eight in 10 could select a plan with a premium of $100 or less with tax credits. This is further proof that the Affordable Care Act is working for the middle class.”

Among 6.5 million consumers in the 37 states using the HealthCare.gov plat-form who selected a plan with advanced premium tax credits, the average monthly premium for 2015 coverage dropped from $374 before tax credits to $105 after tax credits, for an average tax credit amount of $268 per person/month. This analysis includes plan selections from Nov. 15 through Jan. 30: depending on the characteristics of people who sign up prior to Feb. 15, the statistics in this report could change.

As we near the Feb. 15 deadline and end of Open Enrollment, officials from HHS are available for print, radio and television interviews. Satellite TV interviews are also available.

Sign up by Feb. 15 – Help is available:

We are working to meet consumers where they are, whether that is online, over the phone or in person.

• Online: Information is available at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov.
• By Phone: Market-place 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 more than 200 languages. The call is free.
• In person: Consumers can find local help by visiting: Localhelp.healthcare.gov