FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2015

Contact: HHS Press Office 202-690-6343

Seattle Seahawks Stars Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman encourage Americans to visit HealthCare.gov and shop for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and cornerback Richard Sherman encourage Americans to visit HealthCare.gov to shop for quality, affordable health insurance in a video released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. January 15 is the deadline for consumers to sign up for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage that begins on February 1.  Consumers can sign up at HealthCare.gov, by calling 1-800-318-2596, or they can find assistance near their homes by visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov. Open Enrollment in the Marketplace ends on February 15.

“I want to thank Russell and Richard for volunteering their time to raise awareness about the importance of enrolling in health insurance coverage and join them in calling for people to visit HealthCare.gov and check out their options,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell.  “With 25 percent more issuers in the Marketplace, health insurance companies are competing for your business. And last month, 87 percent of people who signed up through HealthCare.gov were eligible for financial assistance to lower monthly premiums. January 15 is the deadline to select coverage that begins on February 1, so sign up today.”

“When your health or the game is on the line, nothing is more important than quality coverage,” Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman says in the public service announcement. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson continues, “so make the right call, visit HealthCare.gov and get covered.”

Through the Marketplaces, consumers can go online to find and compare options, see if they qualify for lower costs, and select coverage that best meets their needs and budget. Nearly 8 in 10 current Marketplace consumers can find coverage in the 2015 Marketplace for $100 or less, taking into account any applicable tax credits.

A new streamlined application reduces the number of screens to 16 with fewer clicks to navigate through the questions. Last year, consumers went through 76 screens to sign up for coverage. This year, along with a simpler, faster application, consumers can shop and enroll on a smartphone, tablet, computer, or by calling the call center or with in-person assistance.

To sign up for individual and family coverage, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-and-enroll/

To sign up for small business coverage, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/

For more information about Health Insurance Marketplaces, visit: www.healthcare.gov/marketplace

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Last revised: January 9, 2015