As Administration Launches Special Enrollment Period, Spanberger Encourages Central Virginians to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage

HENRICO, V.A. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today is encouraging Central Virginia individuals and families to review their existing coverage or sign up for 2021 health insurance during the recently announced special enrollment period.

Until May 15, Virginians can visit healthcare.gov to review their options, change their current provider, or sign up for a new plan on the healthcare marketplace. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following enrollment.

“This step is long overdue. I first called for a special enrollment period when the COVID-19 pandemic began to ensure that Central Virginians who may be at risk of developing this disease had reliable access to healthcare coverage. Almost one year later, many working families, seniors, and small business owners are still struggling. This special opportunity for more Seventh District residents to obtain coverage is a necessary step in strengthening public health at a time when that must be at the forefront of our minds,” said Spanberger. “We are fortunate to now have an administration that understands the urgency of this moment and is taking proactive action to get affordable healthcare to many Americans. I hope that everyone will take the time to review all their options to make the best decision for themselves and their families, and that this enrollment window brings Virginians some peace of mind as we work to beat this pandemic.”

In March 2020, Spanberger called on the Trump Administration to open a special enrollment period for individual signups due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the need to provide affordable health coverage to those who might be at risk of contracting the disease. In a letter sent to then-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, Spanberger urged HHS to establish a special enrollment period for patients seeking health insurance marketplace coverage as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly threatened public health. 

To take the first step to apply for new healthcare coverage, Central Virginians can click here.

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