(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging DC residents to sign-up for high-quality, affordable health insurance at DCHealthLink.com, the District’s online state-based health insurance marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment for District residents runs through January 31, 2020. For coverage to be effective January 1, 2020, residents must enroll by December 15.
“If you are a District resident in need of health insurance, there is no better time to find an affordable, high-quality plan,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are proud that the District has been able to build on the Affordable Care Act and ensure every family has access to health insurance and the peace of mind that coverage provides.”
Washington, DC ranks second in the nation among all states for the lowest uninsured rate with almost 97% of District residents covered. This year, DC Health Link has provided health insurance to more than 20,000 residents through the individual marketplace and almost 95,000 people through the small business marketplace.
“We advocate for our customers to have the best possible options at best rates,” said Mila Kofman, J.D., Executive Director of the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority. “We’ve designed our standard plans to make sure that our customers are able to get the care they need without the financial obstacle of a high deductible.”
DC Health Link is here for residents like Rebecca, who relocated to the District to take the biggest leap of her career. By being able to afford comprehensive health insurance that covered all of her health needs and pre-existing conditions, Rebecca was able to start her own business in her adopted city of Washington, DC. “I’ve now been able to fulfill a lifelong dream of self-employment, one that literally would not have been possible without DC Health Link,” said Rebecca.
There are 25 private health insurance options from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente for residents to fit all budgets. Twelve of the 25 plans are standard plans that cover many medical services without a deductible – primary care, specialists, mental health and substance abuse, urgent care and generic prescription medications.
Eligible District residents can enroll in a health insurance plan online through DCHealthLink.com, or by calling 855-532-LINK [5465]. Some residents will qualify for reduced premiums. Eligible residents who enroll on or before December 15, 2019 will have their coverage effective January 1, 2020. After that date, plan selections made by the 15th of each month during Open Enrollment will be effective on the first day of the following month. Small businesses – as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid – can enroll through DCHealthLink.com throughout the year.