Entrepreneurs and small business owners: Get covered for 2020 today!

Open enrollment to purchase health insurance plans for 2020 through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual marketplaces is in full swing. This open enrollment season, we’re excited to partner with Airbnb to get the word out about open enrollment and share important resources to help entrepreneurs, small businesses and Airbnb hosts get covered. As part of this effort, we’re hosting two webinars to help you navigate enrollment and share important deadlines and resources so you can find the best healthcare option for you. 

In addition to our webinars, check out these six key facts about this year’s open enrollment below:

1. Open enrollment ends on December 15.

Six states and the District of Columbia have extended open enrollment beyond December 15, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Rhode Island. The short enrollment period for most states means it’s critical that you check out your options and enroll as soon as possible.

2. You don’t have to go it alone.

While the federal government has reduced the budget for ACA “navigators,” unbiased groups that help people enroll in marketplace coverage, there are still many fantastic resources out there to help you enroll. Check out our online resource hub, Venturize.org, or visit Healthcare.gov's Find Local Help Tool to see if in-person assistance is available near you. 

3. Costs are actually going down, and you may be eligible for financial assistance to lower the cost of your premiums further.

Premiums are decreasing in many areas of the country, and nearly 9 in 10 individuals qualify for some kind of financial assistance. Last year, more than 8 in 10 consumers were eligible for a plan for less than $100 per month!

4. There are multiple ways to enroll.

You can enroll online at Healthcare.gov, over the phone or in-person, if enrollment assistance is available near you. If your state runs it own website, Healthcare.gov will help guide you to the right place. You can start by visiting HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov or calling the marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596.

5. Health insurance is no longer mandatory, but it’s still important to check out your options and get covered.

Congress repealed the individual mandate penalty at the end of 2017, but it is still strongly advised that small business owners and freelance entrepreneurs enroll in a healthcare plan. Having health insurance helps protect both your health and financial security by ensuring you’re protected against an unexpected healthcare scare. It also provides you with access to critical preventive services and health screenings that can make sure you stay healthy so you can focus on growing your business.

6. If you purchase small group coverage for yourself and employees, it’s also important to remember that small businesses are no longer able to shop online for a group plan through Healthcare.gov.

You can still use the site to compare plans and verify eligibility for tax credits, but will then need to work with a broker or agent or purchase directly through a carrier. You can learn more about small group coverage here.

The deadline to enroll in 2020 coverage is fast approaching. Don’t wait to ensure you, your family and your employees are covered next year!