Rep. Pallone: Millions More Americans Now Have Access to Health Care

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today, October 1, 2013 on the opening of the health insurance Marketplaces as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“This is the first day in American history when the uninsured are guaranteed the opportunity to sign up for affordable health insurance. Starting today, everyone, not just the healthy, employed or wealthy, can go online and get covered. Health insurance is no longer a privilege, it is a right.


“In the Marketplaces, New Jerseyans will be able to see all of their health insurance options – including the new discounted plans that fit their needs. All in one place, all explained simply. Also never again will a hardworking New Jerseyan be denied health coverage for a pre-existing condition and won’t worry about hitting their annual or lifetime limit on coverage, and no women will pay a higher rate than a man.


“With the online Marketplace, more New Jerseyans will be able to take full advantage of the many benefits of the ACA. Because of the Affordable Care Act, 105 million Americans have already received access to free preventive services, 6.6 million seniors have saved more than $7 billion on their prescription drugs, and more than 100 million Americans have benefited from no longer having a lifetime limit on their coverage. The Marketplaces opening today marks just one more part of the ACA that millions of Americans will benefit from.”

The open enrollment period for the first year of the Marketplaces runs from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014.

New Jerseyans looking for health coverage should go to www.healthcare.gov and by putting in their state and zip code, they will be able to see and compare plans and premiums in our part of the state. If constituents have questions about the Marketplace, they can call 1-800-318-2596, a toll-free hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.