The Affordable Care Act is helping thousands of people across Northwest Washington access high quality, affordable health care, and today Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, encouraged people to take advantage of the upcoming open enrollment period.

“Families across the Pacific Northwest and the country have better access to affordable health care that fits their budgets because of the Affordable Care Act. People can more easily access preventive care like checkups, and they don’t have to worry about getting denied coverage because of preexisting medical conditions. Washington state is a nationwide leader in expanding people’s access to health care, and our state recently experienced the fourth biggest drop in the nation in our uninsured rate.

“Open enrollment for health care coverage in 2015 starts November 15. I encourage people who bought coverage through Washington state’s exchange, the Healthplanfinder, to log in to their accounts, confirm their plan or check out their options, make sure their tax information is correct, and go over any changes to their plan or tax credit. And people who do not yet have coverage should make sure they know their options for the coming year.

“We are fortunate that our health insurance marketplace is offering 90 different plans, nearly double the number offered in 2014, and that many people will be able to get tax subsidies to help pay for these plans.

“The Affordable Care Act is helping people get the care they need to keep themselves and their families healthy, and I encourage people to get and stay covered,” Larsen said.

For more information about open enrollment, visit Washington Healthplanfinder, www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

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