In the final days of the open enrollment period, the White House and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are going to great lengths to sign more people up for coverage through the exchanges if they don't already have employee benefits. Enroll America, an independent nonprofit organization that supports the Affordable Care Act, is assisting in the cause by hosting events where people can register for coverage quickly.
As of March 14, the charitable organization has been making stops in 30 metro areas throughout the country, reaching out to people who haven't yet signed up for coverage, particularly those who are uninsured.
"So many people without insurance still don't know that they may benefit from the Affordable Care Act," said Jeannine Gage of Enroll America and organizer for the "Get Covered" campaign. "We encourage them to attend our enrollment events and tell them about the financial assistance that's available. Then they can either enroll themselves on their home computer or with the assistance of an in-person expert."
One of the ways in which Enroll America intends to increase signup numbers is by making consumers cognizant of the fact that they may be eligible for financial assistance. When HHS last released its enrollment figures, it revealed that since October, close to 85 percent of people who have selected plans are due to receive a subsidy, based on health conditions and/or their annual earnings.
The White House is also utilizing the Internet to enhance ACA enrollment figures via Graphics Interchange Format, or in online parlance, GIFs, the Florida Times-Union recently reported. Movie stars and professional athletes have also been recruited in the all-out effort.
