Second Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period Begins November 15^th

While more than 15 million Americans got health insurance during the first enrollment period that ended this past March, tens of millions of Americans still remain uninsured, according to research commissioned by Enroll America. However, less than a third of all uninsured say that they have heard about the new health insurance plans available to them (29%) or about the financial help available under the law (26%).

“Last year, we made incredible progress in enrolling Americans in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. But, tens of millions of Americans still stand to benefit from these new options,” said Anne Filipic, President of Enroll America. “Whether on the airwaves or at the grassroots level, our goal is to reach as many consumers as possible with the information they need to get covered before the enrollment window closes on February 15.”

To raise awareness, Enroll America is working with the Ad Council to continue its successful “Take Care, People” integrated public service advertising (PSA) campaign encouraging the uninsured, particularly women, to enroll. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make 80% of the health care decisions for their families. Women are also 47% more likely than their male counterparts to share information about health care with their friends, family and community. Lack of awareness is a critical issue among women, however, with 79% of those in the Enroll America study saying they do not know enough about the new law.

“We know that women in the U.S. are very involved and concerned about their family’s health, but misinformation or a lack of information is standing in the way of their health insurance coverage,” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “With only a three month enrollment window this year, it’s never been more critical that we reach these women and provide them with the resources and support they need to get covered.”

Research from Enroll America shows that most Americans are uninsured because their employer does not offer insurance or they believe they can’t afford coverage. However, during the first open enrollment period, 85% of people who signed up for health coverage through the Marketplace qualified for financial assistance that reduced the cost of their premium. On average, consumers who received financial help paid just $82 per month.

A recent survey by PerryUndem found that more than eight in ten of the remaining uninsured (84%) were open to enrolling in this or future open enrollment periods. The survey also found:

• Perceptions of unaffordability kept many from even checking to see what they might qualify for; only one in five of the currently uninsured knew about the availability of financial help.
• Latinos were much less likely to know about the availability of financial help/tax subsidies or that health plans could not deny them because of pre-existing conditions.
• Young adults (ages 18-29) were less aware about the specifics of the law and insurance terminology.

The “Take Care, People” PSAs will continue to run in print, broadcast, outdoor, radio and web outlets in space and time entirely donated by the media. The English and Spanish PSAs drive to GetCoveredAmerica.org and communicate the benefits of enrolling in health coverage made available under the ACA, including that: health insurance is affordable, preventive care is free, and financial help is available to help the uninsured pay for their health insurance plan.

Since the “Take Care, People” campaign first launched in February of 2013, media outlets around the country have donated more than $20 million in advertising time and space to help educate consumers about their options for quality, affordable coverage. The public service ads have received support from traditional, digital and alternative outlets including Facebook, Lifetime and UpStares, among others.

About Get Covered America and Enroll America
Get Covered America is a national campaign of Enroll America that is focused on educating consumers about the benefits of health coverage and the new health insurance available under the Affordable Care Act. With operations in eleven states (AZ, FL,GA, IL, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA,TN and TX), our grassroots team is powered by passionate staff and volunteers with one motivating goal: to give Americans the information they need to choose an affordable health insurance plan that’s right for them and their families. Enroll America is the nation’s leading health care enrollment coalition, bringing together community and health organizations, businesses and others to inform consumers about the new health coverage options and how to enroll in them. It is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501c(3) organization.

About Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.

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Press Contact:
Meg Rushton
Ad Council
212-984-1996
[email protected]