The healthcare.gov call center was overwhelmed on Friday, causing many people to qualify for an in-line extension.
For many, the last day was extended past Dec. 15 to call the marketplace to enroll. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also announced that any FEMA declared disaster areas and people affected by hurricane Irma had an extension until Dec. 31.
“A lot of people who tried to call the call center were placed into a waitlist situation. This means healthcare.gov will be calling people back today and tomorrow. We don’t want people to wait though – call them back if you are worried you may have missed the call,” said Steve Skardon, Palmetto Project’s Executive Director, “We want South Carolinians to access the healthcare that they need.”
Consumers can also qualify for a special enrollment period due to FEMA’s assistance in all South Carolina counties during Hurricane Irma. “Anyone in SC affected by the storm can benefit. All they have to do is provide the marketplace call center with a statement saying they were affected by the storm, and they can enroll before December 31,” said Shelli Quenga, Director of Programs.
Palmetto Project’s signupSC network of enrollment assisters provides free, local help so people understand their marketplace insurance options. Visit here or call 1-888-998-4646.