Beyond the $1,400 check and child tax credit payments, the America Rescue Plan includes health care.
The American Rescue Plan has extended health insurance coverage to people who qualified for unemployment assistance in 2021.
The low-cost and no-cost health care plans became available at the start of this month.
The health insurance coverage, beyond the $1,400 stimulus checks and the monthly child tax credit payments are available for individuals who qualified for unemployment assistance. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the plans became available at the start of July and will continue through until the end of 2021.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on providing relief to millions of families who need to access health insurance coverage because they have been impacted by job losses or underemployment during the pandemic,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Administration has made it easier than ever for Americans to enroll in an affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov thanks to the increased financial assistance provided through the American Rescue Plan.”
Receiving unemployment compensation in 2021 is required to qualify for health insurance coverage.
Millions of Americans will qualify to receive the low-cost or no-cost health care. That said, to qualify, an individual must have either received approval for unemployment compensation this year or must have actually received them.
Eligible Americans can access the coverage through the Healthcare.gov site. There, they can update an existing application or submit a new one to receive a health plan at the lowest possible cost – including none at all.
“We are doing everything we can to remove financial barriers to comprehensive health care,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, CMS Administrator, in a media release. “The American Rescue Plan provides consumers with additional savings and will make coverage even more attainable for those most in need.”
The special enrollment period to be used to sign up for the health insurance coverage for unemployed Americans is already open and will remain open until August 15, 2021. Eligible Americans will receive a plan with premiums as low as $0, depending on the advanced tax credits for which they qualify during the application process.
