Congressman Cohen Speaks

Congressman Cohen Urges

Healthcare Open Enrollment

On November 1, 2017, as the open enrollment period for healthcare coverage began, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) delivered an important message from the House floor. In his five-minute address, the Tennessee Representative emphasized the critical importance of signing up for health insurance during the shortened enrollment window for 2018 coverage.

Shortened Enrollment Period for 2018 Coverage

Congressman Cohen highlighted a significant change to this year's open enrollment period: "This year enrollment only runs from November 1st through December 15th. This is half the length of last year when open enrollment extended until January 30th," Cohen stated in his address.

The enrollment window has been reduced to just 45 days, giving Americans a much narrower timeframe to secure their healthcare coverage for 2018. This represents a six-week reduction compared to previous enrollment periods.

Website Maintenance Concerns

The Congressman also warned about planned website downtime that could further complicate enrollment efforts: "There will also be 12-hour periods of scheduled maintenance when the website will be inaccessible. These periods will occur every Sunday morning except one during the open enrollment period."

This scheduled maintenance adds another obstacle for Americans trying to secure coverage, making it even more important to start the process early rather than waiting until the final days of the enrollment period.

Changes to Auto-Enrollment Timing

Another critical point Congressman Cohen addressed was the change to auto-enrollment notification timing: "In previous years, individuals were notified of auto-enrollment with time to change their choice. This year that happens on December 16th, a day after open enrollment ends."

This timing change means that individuals who are auto-enrolled in a plan won't have the opportunity to make changes if they receive their notification after the December 15th deadline. Cohen strongly advised: "Individuals should not rely on auto-enrollment; they should use Healthcare.gov to find the best plan for them and their families."

Affordable Options Available for Tennesseans

Despite challenges to the Affordable Care Act, Congressman Cohen emphasized that affordable options remain available:

"In Tennessee, 88 percent can find a bronze plan for under $75. In Memphis, many consumers earning thirty to forty-eight thousand dollars a year can find silver plans for under $100. This is particularly true for those in their late 40s to age 64."

He noted that financial assistance continues to be available for those who qualify: "In 2016, 88% of Tennesseans on the exchanges received premium assistance, and 58% received cost-sharing reduction subsidies."

Subsidies Still Available Despite Changes

The Congressman reassured constituents that "cost-sharing reduction subsidies will be available for individuals who qualify for silver plans" despite changes in government reimbursements to insurers.

"The ACA Patient Protection Act is the law of the land," Cohen stated firmly. "All current efforts to repeal and replace have failed because they have not come up with a plan. Healthcare is difficult, and we came up with a plan that needs some tweaking but not repealing."

Healthcare Access Saves Lives

Congressman Cohen highlighted the real-world impact of healthcare access in his own district: "Memphis has recently seen a decrease in the disparity in breast cancer mortality rates between black and white women, a clear indication that access to affordable care saves lives."

He attributed this improvement to expanded access to screenings and coverage: "In addition to local efforts, the Affordable Care Act has helped reduce or even eliminate co-payments that women have to pay for preventive screenings, including mammograms."

Congressman Cohen's Commitment to Africa in April

Beyond his healthcare advocacy, Congressman Cohen has been one of the most active and supportive patrons of Memphis' Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, demonstrating his commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement. For over two decades, he has been a fixture at this important cultural celebration that honors the traditions, art, and contributions of African nations and the African diaspora.

The Africa in April Festival, founded in 1986 by Dr. David L. Acey and Yvonne B. Acey, has grown to become one of Memphis' most significant cultural events. Each year, the festival honors a different African country, showcasing its unique cultural heritage through food, music, dance, art, and educational programs.

Congressman Cohen's support for Africa in April extends beyond mere attendance. He has been instrumental in securing recognition and resources for the festival, often using his platform to highlight the importance of cultural awareness and celebrating diversity within his district. His office has helped coordinate participation from diplomatic representatives from featured African nations, enhancing the festival's international significance.

During his tenure as a state senator before joining Congress, Cohen helped secure state funding and recognition for the festival. After his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, he continued his advocacy on a national level, often recognizing the festival's founders and organizers in congressional statements.

At the 2016 Africa in April festival honoring the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Congressman Cohen delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and understanding in building stronger communities. He has consistently used his participation in the festival to connect with constituents from diverse backgrounds and to demonstrate his commitment to representing all members of his district.

His support aligns with his broader legislative priorities, including civil rights, equality, and addressing disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. The congressman has often drawn parallels between the educational mission of Africa in April and the need for greater understanding of health disparities affecting African American communities, including those addressed by the Affordable Care Act.

Upcoming Town Hall in Memphis

To help his constituents navigate the enrollment process, Cohen announced plans for a town hall event: "We're going to try to find some navigators still around and have a town hall in Memphis, possibly Saturday, November 11th. We're still in the process of scheduling that."

This effort comes despite cuts to navigator programs that previously helped Americans understand their healthcare options: "Marketing funding and funds for navigators to help people through the process have been slashed," Cohen noted.

Take Action Now

Congressman Cohen concluded his remarks with a clear call to action: "The open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act starts today and runs through December 15th. Avail yourself of those opportunities."

Given the shortened enrollment period and potential website downtime, Americans are strongly encouraged to begin the enrollment process as soon as possible to ensure they and their families have healthcare coverage for 2018.

Resources for Enrollment Assistance

Despite funding cuts, assistance is still available for those who need help navigating the enrollment process:

• Visit HealthCare.gov to explore available plans
• Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596
• Contact local community health centers for in-person assistance
• Reach out to Congressman Cohen's office for constituent services related to healthcare

Don't wait until the December 15th deadline—start exploring your healthcare options today to ensure you have the coverage you need for 2018.