Getting Ready for Open Enrollment:

Ed note: This is cross-posted from the Department of Health and Human Services' blog.

With just two days to go until the start of Open Enrollment, I want to share with you what we've been doing at the Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to quality, affordable coverage to more people and to lay the groundwork for a successful Open Enrollment.

First, we're committed to improving the consumer experience.

We've listened to feedback and have put that learning into practice. Most consumers who come back to HealthCare.gov to renew their coverage will find about 90% of their application is pre-populated, based on answers from last year. Consumers who are renewing coverage, as well as consumers shopping for coverage for the first time, will have 25% more options to choose from on average. That means consumers can shop and find a more affordable plan that better meets their needs. And we've added 1,000 representatives to our 24-hour call center to answer questions and help consumers get and stay covered.

We also understand that it's our job to protect consumers' security and we take that responsibility seriously.

We've tested and retested our systems, putting ourselves through some of the industry's most stringent protocols to ensure we're taking the steps necessary to safeguard consumers' personal information. We've enhanced our cybersecurity team with experts from the public and private sector to raise the bar on security. And we'll be focused every day on what more we can do to improve our ability to respond to cybersecurity events quickly and effectively if needed.

If you signed up for Marketplace coverage during last Open Enrollment:

We encourage you to come back to HealthCare.gov, reach out to the call center, or meet with an in-person assister to make sure you choose the plan that's right for you and get the best financial help available.

Starting November 15, if you're renewing your coverage, you should log into your account.

By doing so, you can make sure your household income and other information is up-to-date, compare your current plan with other plans available in your area, select the plan that best meets your needs and budget, and choose a plan by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

If you're shopping for coverage for the first time, Open Enrollment runs from November 15 to February 15. Your coverage can start as soon as January 1 if you sign up by December 15.

All consumers should visit HealthCare.gov or reach out to our 24/7 call center with any questions: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325). Information about in-person assistance is available at localhelp.healthcare.gov.

Join the millions of Americans who now have access to quality, affordable coverage: Sign up between November 15 and February 15.