Last Chance for This Round of Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment

Thanks, Obama. No, really, thanks Obama!

It’s true, kids; despite all the stupid and nasty things Agent Orange and the GOP have said about and done to the Affordable Care Act, it’s still here, and it’s still working. But open enrollment for 2020 ends Sunday, Dec. 15, so if you’ve been putting it off, stop doing that.

You may think you can’t afford health insurance, but you won’t know until you try. The marketplace here in Travis County is stable, helped along by the successful rescue of local nonprofit Sendero Health Plans, and financial assistance is available for working people – don’t assume you make too much money, if you have a steady job, to get subsidized coverage.

You can go online at healthcare.gov and do the whole enrollment deal solo, or you can get help. If you’re at a loss about how to start or where to go, you can call 2-1-1 - the social service helpline, run here in Austin by United Way Capital Area. Or you can visit one of Foundation Communities’ two Prosper Centers – 5900 Airport (near Highland), open 9am-4pm through Sunday, or 2600 W. Stassney for the southsiders, open 9am–1pm this weekend. Just do it! Be healthy for 2020!