SPRINGFIELD, MA-Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement applauding President Biden for signing an executive order to initiate a new open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act (ACA):
“Today’s executive action will allow struggling Americans in desperate need of health care during the pandemic to access affordable coverage. I have called for a special enrollment period since the beginning of the COVID crisis, when millions of people in our nation suddenly found themselves without insurance. In the midst of this historic health emergency that has intensified existing health disparities, I’m relieved that President Biden is making health care enrollment as straightforward as possible. Together, we can build on the pillars of the Affordable Care Act to make our health care system even more accessible and affordable for all."
Last year, Neal joined other congressional health leaders in making numerous calls for a special enrollment period to give the millions of Americans experiencing job losses the opportunity to sign up for new health care.