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The Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Marketplace health insurance coverage under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is coming to an end on Sunday, Aug. 15.

Louisiana consumers who need to secure coverage through the Marketplace for 2021 will need to do so by Aug. 15, unless they qualify for a separate special enrollment period. Special enrollment periods exist for certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.

“During the ongoing pandemic surge, it’s more important than ever to have health care coverage and the clock is winding down on an extended special enrollment period,” Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said. “After such a difficult 18 months, Louisianians who need health care coverage should know that help is available in the form of tax credits.”

When you apply for Marketplace coverage at www.healthcare.gov, you’ll find out if you qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium. More people qualify for help paying for health coverage due to the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of your premium tax credit depends on your estimated household income for 2021.

If you already have Marketplace coverage, you can update your application and enrollment through your account on the www.healthcare.gov website. Your new eligibility results will show if you are eligible for additional tax credits. You can update your plan selection at the same time or reselect your current plan in order for the change to take effect to lower your premiums for the rest of the year. Be aware that if you change your health plan selection your new plan’s deductible will start over. This means that if you change plans or add a new household member, any out-of-pocket costs you already paid on your current 2021 Marketplace plan probably won’t count towards your new deductible, even if you stay with the same insurance company.

Visit www.healthcare.gov to get free enrollment assistance and find out if you qualify for additional financial assistance.