Becerra Touts Expanded Access, Lower Costs for Marketplace Coverage

HHS said four out of five consumers now enrolled in a plan through HealthCare.gov will be able to find a plan for $10 or less per month with additional ARP assistance.

Many beneficiaries enrolled in Marketplace health plans will see their premiums decrease, on average, by $50 per person per month and $85 per policy per month thanks to expanded financial assistance under the American Rescue Plan, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday.

HHS said four out of five consumers now enrolled in a plan through HealthCare.gov will be able to find a plan for $10 or less per month with additional ARP assistance.

Additionally, with advanced payments of premium tax credits, an average of three out of five uninsured adults eligible for coverage on HealthCare.gov may be able to access a zero-premium plan and nearly three out of four may find a plan for $50 or less per month on HealthCare.gov, HHS said.   

"Today help is here and millions of Americans can start saving money on their health insurance premiums thanks to the American Rescue Plan," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a media release. "The Biden Administration is committed to bringing down healthcare costs for families."

To spread the word on the new plan options during the special enrollment period, Becerra said HHS has launched a $50 million public awareness campaign.

Consumers who want to enroll in coverage and see if they qualify for more affordable premiums can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view 2021 plans and prices and, if eligible, enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.

Additionally, consumers can call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, which helps in more than 150 languages.

Consumers in states that operate their own Marketplace platforms should visit those state websites or call centers.