Central Texas Residents Urged To Enroll For Health Coverage

AUSTIN, TX — Central Texas residents are reminded that time is running out to sign up for 2020 Marketplace Health Insurance.

Less than two weeks remain for this year's open enrollment period, and Foundation Communities officials in Austin say it's time to #GetCovered in order to be covered by Jan. 1. To that end, Foundation Communities is open at two locations from now through Dec. 15 with expert in-person assistance to help people select the best plan for their healthcare needs and budget.

Thousands of Central Texans are eligible for significant savings on their health plans for next year, officials said, with many qualifying for $0 per month premiums. There are 54 plans to choose from — 20 more than last year — and prices are very comparable to last year. About 90 percent of people who enroll through Foundation Communities get help paying their monthly premiums and other healthcare costs, officials said.

Foundation Communities officials invoked the example of María Inés Alvarez, a returning Prosper Centers client who recently enrolled in her 2020 health plan and found a $0 per month premium plan. As a part-time worker with no employer coverage, the Marketplace is her best choice for affordable, comprehensive health insurance, officials noted.

Enrollment is busiest at the beginning and end of the season. Amid the final stretch, residents can avoid longer wait times by coming in early.

“Our centers are very busy during the last week of enrollment, and we don’t want anyone who wants a 2020 health plan to miss out on their one chance to sign up,” Kori Hattemer, director of Prosper Programs, said in a prepared stateement. “This is a big holiday shopping week, so we encourage people to add 2020 health insurance to their lists.”

Appointments are not required as community members looking for enrollment help can walk in to either Prosper Center location Monday through Saturday, according to officials. Phone enrollment is also available for people unable to come in person. Community members can request a phone appointment by leaving a message at 512-381-4520 or emailing enroll@foundcom.org. Bilingual English/Spanish enrollment assistance, and assistance in other languages is also available. More details are available at insurecentraltexas.org.

NORTH location: 5900 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, 737-717-4001
Monday – Thursday: 9am-7pm, Friday – Saturday: 9am-4pm (Bus Routes: 7, 337, 350)
SOUTH location: 2600 W Stassney, Austin, TX 78745, 737-717-4000
Monday – Thursday: 9am-7pm, Friday – Saturday: 9am-1pm (Bus Routes: 311, 318)

About the Health Coverage program at Foundation Communities

The Health Coverage program at Foundation Communities provides free, expert health insurance enrollment assistance for the Central Texas community. We have helped 30,000 Central Texans enroll in high-quality, affordable health insurance coverage since 2013.