Register for HHS Webinar: Community-based Organization Stakeholder Webinar on the HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment Period 2021 The CMS Office of Minority Health would like to share a webinar opportunity from the US Department of Health and Human Services for Friday, February 19th at 3pm. Please read more details below. Dear Stakeholder: You are invited to join a webinar to learn about Departmental outreach for the 2021 Special Enrollment Period in response to the COVID-19 Emergency. While this webinar will cover the SEP broadly, there will be a particular focus on how community-based organizations that serve racial and ethnic minorities can help us with disseminating information about the SEP. Please feel free to share this invitation broadly with your colleagues, stakeholders, and constituents. What: Community-based Organization Stakeholder Webinar on the HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment Period 2021 When: February 19 at 3:00 pm EST Register in advance here: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Wit7KoabQlGsgz21lVH8MQ. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. *In advance of the webinar, below includes more information and resources about the SEP* In accordance with the January 28, 2021, Executive Order signed by President Biden, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing that the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Health Insurance Marketplace® is now officially available to consumers in the 36 states that use the HealthCare.gov platform on Monday, February 15, and will continue through Saturday, May 15. At least 13 States plus the District of Columbia, which operate their own Marketplace platforms, have decided to offer a similar opportunity. The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has affected millions of people throughout the country, and many Americans remain uninsured or underinsured and need access to affordable health coverage. The SEP will allow individuals and families to enroll in the health coverage they need. Consumers who are uninsured can take this opportunity to look for coverage and find out if they qualify for financial assistance to help pay for health insurance. Currently 9 out of 10 consumers enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov receive financial help and 75% of consumers can purchase a plan for $50 or less per month after financial assistance. In addition, all of the plans at HealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits, such as primary care visits, and cover many preventive care services with no out-of-pocket costs to the consumer. Beginning Monday, February 15, consumers who want to access the SEP to enroll in coverage and see if they qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of monthly premiums, can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view 2021 plans and prices and enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. Additionally, consumers can call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, which provides assistance in over 150 languages. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Consumers can also find a local assister or agent/broker in their area by visiting: https://localhelp.healthcare.gov. To read the press release, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/02/12/2021-special-enrollment-period-marketplace-coverage-starts-healthcaregov.html To view the 2021 Fact Sheet for more information, visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2021-special-enrollment-period-response-covid-19-emergency. For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace®, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/getting-marketplace-health-insurance/. Marvin Figueroa, Director Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C.