WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that 234,507 Ohioans have selected or been re-enrolled in health insurance plans through the health law’s insurance marketplace. According to numbers released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 11.4 million Americans have secured health insurance coverage during this year’s open enrollment period.

“Thanks to the health insurance marketplace, more Ohioans have gained access to quality affordable health coverage – some for the first time in their lives,” said Brown. “This coverage not only allows Ohio families to lead healthier lives and seek preventive care – it also gives families peace of mind, knowing that they’re covered if they get sick or injured. The benefits of the health law can be seen across our state, and I’m glad more Ohioans took advantage of open enrollment this year and got covered.”

Open Enrollment began on Nov. 15 and closed on Feb. 15. HHS also released data on the number of Ohio consumers who selected or were automatically enrolled in a plan in the areas surrounding Ohio’s four most populous cities as of February 15:

  • 47,388 consumers in the Cleveland area;
  • 38,780 consumers in the Columbus area;
  • 37,639 consumers in the Cincinnati area; and
  • 14,518 consumers in the Dayton area.

HHS reported that 84 percent of Ohio consumers who selected health insurance plans were eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums and 75 percent of Ohio Marketplace enrollees were able to obtain coverage for $100 or less per month after any applicable tax credits in 2015.

Brown continues to champion the health law and its benefits for Ohioans. Brown declined Congressional health insurance for nearly two decades—keeping a 1992 campaign promise to decline a health plan until similar coverage was available to all Americans— and entered the marketplace during the 2014 enrollment period.

Last year, Brown toured the state to raise awareness about the enrollment deadline. He traveled with Enroll America and held events at Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Wright State University in Dayton, and Eastern Gateway Community College in Youngstown, to inform residents of the local resources available to help them choose and purchase a healthcare plan. Brown also held a news conference call with Ohio State University legend Eddie George to alert Ohioans to the deadline.

 

 

 

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