October 2, 2023

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Stimulus update: Free health insurance offered to millions of Americans through the end of the year

Millions of Americans could qualify for free health insurance through the end of 2021 through a provision of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan signed in March.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, consumers who received or were approved to receive unemployment benefits for any week beginning in 2021 are eligible for the reduced or no-cost plans. The change went into effect on July 1.

“We encourage consumers who have received unemployment compensation in 2021 to visit the Marketplace to see if they qualify to save money on their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said.

To apply, users should visit HealthCare.gov to submit a new application or update their existing insurance information. According to the centers, an average of three out of five eligible uninsured Americans can access $0 plans and an average of four out of five current HealthCare.gov consumers will be able to find a plan for $10 or less per month. The plans are offered by private insurers and come with low or no co-pay or deductible features.

There are no income limits for applicants but you must have received or been approved for unemployment benefits for a minimum of one week anytime in 2021.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 15.

You can get more information by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 or by visiting the federal healthcare site here.