Dear Friend,

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans have lost their employer-provided health insurance, and it’s possible that you or a loved one may be one of them. A loss of health benefits can be devastating at any time, but more so during a public health emergency when Americans may find themselves in need of urgent or lifesaving care.

Fortunately, folks who’ve lost their coverage during the pandemic now have an opportunity to sign up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov.

The Biden administration’s decision to open a Special Enrollment Period – something I called on the last administration to do more than eight months ago – will ensure that all Virginians have the opportunity to get covered once again if they lost their benefits during the pandemic. This Special Enrollment Period is open now through May 15th, so I encourage you to visit HealthCare.gov to determine your eligibility and find a plan that works for you. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 to speak to someone about your options. You may be eligible for tax credits or other assistance to help lower your insurance costs.

As we’ve seen this past year, the COVID-19 virus can take a toll on anyone – young or old; sick or healthy. Therefore, it’s crucial that all Virginians get covered. 
  
I know these times are challenging, but we will get through them together. In the meantime, I encourage you to care for yourself and your neighbors by washing your hands, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.

If you want to share your thoughts about an issue that’s important to you, you can send me an email any time using the form on my Senate website. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,