Press Releases

PORTLAND, ME—Since mid-September Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has been getting the word out about the 2018 Open Enrollment to purchase coverage on the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace with a public service announcement running on three local television stations—WPXT-TV (The CW), WPME-TV (MyTV), and ME-TV (Memorable Entertainment). Pingree recorded the PSA, which will run until the close of Open Enrollment on December 15, to remind Mainers that they only have 45 days to sign up this year, and make up for the Trump Administration’s lack of ACA outreach.
 
In contrast to President Obama’s extensive ACA outreach over the past five years, the Trump Administration has decided to shut down Healthcare.gov during peak hours of Open Enrollment, cut the window of time to sign up for coverage in half, and not to advertise for the brief 45-day window when Americans must purchase health insurance.
 
“Despite the Trump Administration’s efforts to suppress enrollment in the Marketplace, Mainers need to know they have options to shop for and enroll in coverage beginning tomorrow, November 1,” said Pingree. “With many plan changes this year, it’s really important that Mainers explore Healthcare.gov before December 15.”
 
Transcript of PSA:

Hello, I’m Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
 
The Affordable Care Act has helped thousands of Mainers purchase the health insurance they need—and I want to make sure you can, too.
 
For 2018 coverage, you have from November 1 to December 15 to sign up or change plans. It is important to shop for the insurance that is best for you as there have been a number of plan changes. Most Mainers qualify for subsidies to lower their premiums. So visit www.healthcare.gov to learn about your coverage options or to identify where to get local assistance and begin enrolling on November 1.