Understanding the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in regards to Healthcare
Published on March 24, 2021
What is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021?
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) (Covid-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan) is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law on March 11, 2021, by President Joe Biden. Among the provision for economic relief, there is also a clause for healthcare.
How will ARPA benefit healthcare?
With ARPA, more than 97% of Americans will be insured by a Medicare-like public option for Individuals and families. This plan also strengthens the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by increasing marketplace subsidies.
What is the Covid-19 healthcare plan with ARPA?
With ARPA, President Biden has created a 3-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Because of this, Obamacare's open enrollment will reopen from February 15th through May 15th, 2021.
During this time, anyone in the 36 states that use the federal health insurance exchange can enroll or switch their coverage.
All state-run health insurance exchanges have announced their own Covid-related special enrollment periods as well:
- California: February 1st through May 15th
- Colorado: February 8th through May 15th
- Connecticut: February 15th through March 15th
- DC: Through the end of the pandemic emergency period
- Idaho: March 1st through March 31st
- Maryland: Through May 15th (retroactive coverage is available, depending on when a person enrolls)
- Massachusetts: Through May 23
- Minnesota: February 16th through May 17th
- Nevada: February 15th through May 15th
- New Jersey: Through May 15th
- New York: Through May 15th
- Pennsylvania: February 15th through May 15th
- Rhode Island: Through May 15th
- Vermont: February 16th through May 14th
- Washington: February 15th through May 15th
The President has also outlined a plan to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the White House, the national strategy for the Covid-19 response includes these seven goals:
- Restore trust with the American people
- Mount a safe, effective, comprehensive vaccination campaign
- Mitigate spread through expanding masking, testing, treatment, data, workforce, and clear public health standards
- Immediately expand emergency relief and exercise the Defense Production Act
- Safely reopen schools, businesses, and travel while protecting workers
- Protect those most at risk and advance equity, including across racial, ethnic, and rural/urban line
- Restore U.S. leadership globally and build better preparedness for future threats
If at this time you do not have healthcare coverage or are looking to switch your plan in response to the Covid Relief Plan, The Health Insurance Resource Center is here to help you find a plan that meets your needs. Our team of licensed professionals can help answer your questions and to help you find the insurance plan that is right for you.
