Rep. Cisneros Announces Covered CA and Medicare Open Enrollment

Statement

Today, Representative Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) announced the beginning of Covered California and Medicare's open enrollment period. Covered California's open enrollment period runs from October 15, 2019 through January 15, 2020 and the Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15, 2019 through December 7, 2019. To promote open enrollment, Rep. Cisneros's office will send mail to eligible constituents, email an E-newsletter to all subscribers, run a digital social media campaign, and host an open enrollment FAQ on the Congressman's official website.

"The Affordable Care Act has allowed so many 39th District residents to gain access to the affordable care they and their families deserve," said Rep Cisneros. "However, the Trump Administration has actively sought to undermine access to affordable care, undo protections for pre-existing conditions, and promote policies that spike premiums. It is critical we help spread the word to our friends and families, particularly those who are in need of healthcare coverage. My office will be running a digital advertising campaign, emailing e-newsletters to our constituents, and sending letters to constituents who are eligible for subsidies. I encourage all eligible 39th District residents to take advantage of the opportunity to reevaluate their healthcare plans and figure out the best plan that meets their healthcare needs and budget."

This year, Covered California is offering additional subsidies to qualifying individuals and families to reduce premium costs. Specifically, individuals earning up to $74,940, couples earning up to $101,460, and families of four earning up to $154,500 are now eligible for premium assistance through the marketplace. This means that approximately 229,000 more Californians are newly eligible to receive subsidies to bring down the cost of their monthly premiums. Additionally, Covered California indicates that "customers who shop around when enrollment for 2020 plans opens on October 15 could reduce their premiums by as much as 16.5%."

Also this year, new benefits are available to beneficiaries with chronic health conditions under Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. MA plans can now cover nontraditional services, including: transportation to an appointment, diabetes education program, or meeting with a nutritionist for diabetics; cooking classes to improve diet plans, or heart-healthy produce and food; home air cleaners or shampoo for carpet for those with asthma; or improvements to homes, like ramps, wider hallways, or doors to accommodate wheelchairs. Those on MA plans can also switch to original Medicare, which allows beneficiaries to go to any provider who accepts Medicare.

Yesterday, Rep. Cisneros held a press conference to highlight the beginning of Covered California and Medicare's open enrollment period at AltaMed's Medical & Dental Group-Commerce Community Health Clinic. Rep. Cisneros also spoke about the importance of HR 3, the Lower Drug Costs No Act, legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

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