LANSING, MI -- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer along with the governors of 11 other states is asking the federal government to open the Affordable Care Act Marketplace to citizens in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs as a result of the spread of the virus and in turn, lost their health insurance through their work. Others simply need a chance to purchase insurance during the crisis.

In the letter sent Monday, the governors say now is the time to allow for a special open enrollment period so that Americans have an option to purchase health insurance on the marketplace if they can afford to do so.

“During this crisis, we must do everything we can to ensure access to quality, affordable health care,” Whitmer said in a press release. “That’s why we’re calling on the Trump Administration to do the right thing, reconsider its decision, and allow for a special enrollment period, and it’s also why we’re taking action in Michigan to expand opportunities for safe, quality care. We will continue to work with our partners across both state and federal government, as well as those in the private sector, to ensure Michiganders everywhere can access the care they need.”

Whitmer was referring to previous calls made by officials in Michigan asking for a special enrollment period. That effort also had support from Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

The letter sent Monday was addressed to the Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Seema Verma. It was signed by Whitmer and the governors of Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

“We all know that more needs to be done to increase access to affordable health care during this crisis, however. To that end, we would ask that you reconsider your decision and immediately open a special enrollment period of at least 30 days on the federal health care exchange," reads a portion of the letter.

“A special enrollment period would ensure individuals in the 38 states on the federal exchange, in addition to those who already qualify, can purchase the coverage they need during this challenging time.”

Related story: How Michigan residents can get health coverage after losing jobs or income amid coronavirus outbreak

By law, people who lose their insurance because of a loss of job have 60 days following their termination to use the marketplace to buy insurance. However, if a special open enrollment period were open for longer than that, they would be able to buy insurance as long as the special period was open.

The federal government has offered special enrollment periods in the past in the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes.

“In a time of a fast-moving pandemic, taking every step possible to expand access to health insurance is not just a responsible choice for the health of the individual, but also for the health of our communities, our states, and the country,” the governors continued. “We as governors have done and will continue to do everything we can for our residents, and we hope that you will take all the necessary steps that only you can for them as well.”

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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