ACA Enrollment On Track, Despite Uncertainty

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare” is underway and even though the future of the law is unknown, the forecast for 2017 is business as usual.

Nationally more than 100,000 people signed up for the Affordable Care Act or ACA, the day after elections.

Executive director of Covering Kids and Families of Indiana, Susan Jo Thomas says federal officials have told her everything is set for people who want to enroll in Indiana.

“All the plans for 2017 along with financial help has been secured for 2017,” says Thomas. “So our message right now is, do what’s best for your family right now and that is to continue your coverage.”

At the Indianapolis Enrollment Assistance Center there are specialists who work with people to help navigate the process. Outreach coordinator Hope Bowers says people are coming in with questions about the future of the ACA, and they advise anyone who is hesitant to apply.

“Just try. It’s not hurting anything, it’ll take 45 minutes to an hour out of your day, do the application and see what it says,” says Bowers.

Bowers says the marketplace changes from year to year.

“Even though there are only four providers there are 44 different options to choose from and we explain that even though the premiums go up, the tax credit goes up too.” says Bowers.

In Indiana, an estimated three out of four people qualify for the tax credits that can bring the price of insurance on the exchange under $75 a month.