Around 6.4 million consumers across the country have signed up for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act, an increase of 400,000 plan selected from last year.

More than 98,000 Idahoans have selected a 2017 health insurance plan since open enrollment began on Nov. 1. In Washington, more than 180,000 residents have already selected 2017 Qualified Health Plans during Open Enrollment.

With traffic in all areas expected to continue rising, customers needing 2017 coverage are directed to submit an application and lock in their plan selection with an American Insurance Agent immediately to avoid any potential delays.

“With a record 6.4 million consumers selecting plans for Jan. 1, Americans are once again proving that Marketplace coverage is vital to them and their families,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “Now, we want uninsured Americans who have not yet signed up to know they have not missed their chance to get covered.”

Contact certified health agents Dave Root or Tim Gleason at American Insurance at (208) 746-9646, Medical [at] Am-Ins [dot] com or online here to make an appointment for 2017 health coverage.

It's not too late to enroll.

Residents have until the close of open enrollment on Jan. 31 to secure health and dental plans. Customers who sign up by Jan. 23 will have coverage that begins on Feb. 1. Plans selected between Jan. 24 and 31 will begin on March 1.

Total plan selections from Nov. 1 through the extended deadline of Dec. 19 include 2.05 million new consumers and 4.31 million returning consumers actively renewing their coverage. Consumers whose coverage will be automatically renewed in 2017 are not yet included in these totals.

Nearly 85 percent of Idahoans currently enrolled in a plan on the exchange receive a tax credit to help offset monthly premium costs. Your Health Idaho is the only place in the state offering individuals premium tax credits.

Despite uncertainty surrounding the future of the Affordable Care Act, Your Health Idaho is projecting more than 100,000 Idahoans will enroll in a health insurance plan for 2017.

“We know change is coming,” said Your Health Idaho Executive Director, Pat Kelly. “While adjustments are studied at the state and federal level, we will continue to focus on providing affordable care to Idahoans. This is the highest we’ve seen at the halfway mark for open enrollment, and we are encouraged to see 98,000 Idahoans have already selected a plan for next year.”

Contact certified health agents Dave Root or Tim Gleason at American Insurance at (208) 746-9646, Medical [at] Am-Ins [dot] com or online here to make an appointment for 2017 health coverage.