Dear friend,
Health care coverage is vital and can be affordable for you and your family. Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment is here, and this year is going from November 1st through January 15th. I encourage those who are interested in getting covered or changing their plan to take advantage of this opportunity. Here are some important deadlines to remember:
- December 15th – Deadline for individuals to enroll or change plans with coverage starting on January 1st if your first premium is paid.
- January 1st – Coverage starts for individuals who enroll or change plans on or before December 15th and pay their premiums.
- January 15th – Deadline to enroll or change plans with coverage starting February 1st if your first premium is paid.
- February 1st – Coverage starts for individuals who enroll or change plans after December 16th and pay their premium.
Nationwide, 3.2 million Americans have found plans for less than $10 a month. In Wisconsin, around 212,000 Wisconsinites saved an average of $1080 annually in health care costs through ACA subsidies made possible by the American Rescue Plan. This is money going back into your pocket to help you with other expenses and needs. And thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, these benefits will continue to make health care more affordable for you through 2025.
This open enrollment season, Wisconsinites can access free assistance at WisCovered.com to find an affordable plan that fits their needs. Through WisCovered.com, trained experts can help you navigate the ACA market. Milwaukee-area residents can also call (414) 400-9489 for help.
Medicare’s open enrollment is running until December 7th. Find more information here.
Free COVID-19 Tests for Wisconsinites!
As we continue the holiday season, it’s always good to be prepared. As we gather indoors more during this time, one of the ways we can be prepared is by having COVID-19 tests on hand. And the good news is Wisconsin residents can order free COVID-19 tests! Each household can receive up to five tests each month. Order tests at SayYesCovidHomeTest.org or by calling 211 or 877-947-2211.
And as another reminder, COVID and Flu vaccines are widely available and remain the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from severe illness. Schedule a vaccination appointment now at Vaccinate.Wi.Gov.
Energy Assistance
I know the cost of utility bills is top of mind for working families as we move into the cold winter months. And while utility companies are banned from turning off utility services between November 1st and April 15th, there is assistance available to pay those bills. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), assists eligible households with their heating and electric bills.
To check your household's eligibility, and to find assistance applications, visit the Wisconsin State Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources website.
My Office is Here to Help
As always, I am here to help. If you need help with a federal matter, please don’t hesitate to call my district office at 414-297-1140. Take care!
Happy Holidays,
Gwen
