CHICAGO – With the enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act marketplace open now until Dec. 15, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is encouraging Illinois residents to apply and stressing the importance of health insurance during these unprecedented times.

“We are currently in the middle of a global health pandemic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that quality health care is more important now than ever,” Peters said. “The Affordable Care Act will allow Illinois residents who are underinsured or uninsured to receive the health care they need to survive a public health crisis, and I encourage everyone who requires it to apply.”

This year’s open enrollment period for the ACA will allow a choice between eight different insurers and 179 different health coverage plans arranged into three tiers: gold, silver and bronze. To help reduce monthly payments and cover costs, tax credits are also available for those who qualify. Last year, tax credits allowed 240,000 individuals to pan average of $153 per month for insurance.

“Until we are able to implement a more equitable system, the open enrollment period through the Affordable Care Act is the best and most efficient way to provide health care for those who would otherwise not be covered,” Peters said.

Coverage options and additional information can be found at https://getcoveredillinois.gov.