Health insurance market enrollment starts today

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace begins today, and Central Health is offering Travis County residents options for help. These options include calling 211 for assistance with the application process or getting assistance through Foundation Communities and Sendero Health Plans. According to a press release from the district, 10.8 percent of Travis County residents don’t have health insurance, concentrated in neighborhoods east of Interstate 35. Central Health serves more than 150,000 residents through its Medical Access Program, MAP Basic and sliding-fee-scaled programs that provide health care to low-income residents.

“Central Health is encouraging all Travis County residents who need health insurance to take advantage of the expert help available to assist them with finding the best insurance for them at the best price. Individuals already enrolled in a Marketplace plan should also review the new plans available. Plan prices have changed, and you may be able to find a comparable or better plan at a better price,” said Central Health’s Kit Abney Spelce, vice president of operations, in a statement to the press. “No one should delay – you only have about 12 weeks to apply, and we know the holidays are busy for everyone.” You must enroll in a Marketplace plan by Dec. 15 to start coverage on Jan. 1. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15, 2024.