Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL14) was joined by Jodi Ray, Program Director of Florida Covering Kids & Families, and community partners to outline what Floridians will find on the health care marketplace during this enrollment period, which takes place November 1 to December 15. Florida residents can take advantage of local Navigators who provide free assistance when looking for the best coverage plan for their families.

Watch today’s event here.

“We are officially in open enrollment season for affordable health care plans, and we want to make sure our neighbors in Tampa have the best information when looking for plans that suit their needs. Despite the Trump Administration’s sabotage of affordable health care plans, Florida continues to lead the way nationally in enrollment - with over 1.8 million Floridians enrolled last year,” said Castor. “We want to make sure that families have all the information they need to access affordable health care. Our local Navigators stand ready to connect Tampa neighbors with quality, affordable plans.

“But here is our buyer beware warning: the Trump Administration is now promoting skimpy health care plans, also known as “junk” insurance plans. The Affordable Care Act outlawed discrimination against individuals with preexisting conditions, like cancer or diabetes, but junk plans often discriminate and do not have to cover preexisting conditions and basic needs such as emergency room visits or mental health services,” continued Castor. “Be very careful: junk plans are marketed by scam artists who might call you on the phone or email you. Instead, come here to the Hillsborough County Family Resource Center or contact Covering Florida navigators to find an affordable plan that will provide comprehensive health care coverage.”

“The Covering Florida team is providing assistance to anyone who needs help with looking at plans or understanding plans. Health insurance is complicated – we want folks to feel like they can make an informed decision, and the best way to do that is to sit down with someone who understands the available plans. Whether they’re financial decisions or based on your health care needs, our Navigators can help you make those choices. Covering Florida Navigators are unbiased and our assistance is free,” said Jodi Ray, Program Director of Florida Covering Kids & Families.

New in Florida’s health care marketplace this year:

o             81% of HealthCare.gov customers can find a plan for $10 or less this year

o             88% of HealthCare.gov customers can find a plan for $75 or less this year

o             The average number of plans available went from 49 to more than 67

Neighbors in Florida and across the nation can view affordable plans available now on HealthCare.gov and can receive free advice from Covering Florida Navigators and other community resources. Help from free, independent Navigators is available and appointments can be made at www.CoveringFlorida.org. Free assistance in Spanish is also available. Hillsborough families can also receive specialized assistance from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County at www.familysupporthc.org/contact-us.