1 / 6Health Overhaul SignupsJohn Gold, self-employed graphics designer, poses at a farmer's market outside his office in Portland, Maine, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Gold has been covered by the Affordable Care Act since it started, plans on shopping for plans for 2020 again when the enrollment season starts Nov. 1. The 2020 sign-up season for the Affordable Care Act is getting underway with premiums down slightly in many states and more health plan choices for consumers.
That can translate to several million uninsured people unaware they qualify for help. An analysis Thursday from the consulting firm Avalere Health found that low-income residents in 96% of counties served by HealthCare.gov can find a basic"bronze" plan at no cost to them, factoring in subsidies. Bronze plans are skimpy, but experts say it beats going uninsured.
Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren would bring the 20 million people covered under the law into a new government-run system for all Americans."It's time for the next step," says Warren. Nonetheless, Gold said he hasn't looked at the cheaper alternative the Trump administration is touting, though it can cost up to 60% less. One reason is"short-term plans" don't have to cover pre-existing medical conditions.