WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) reminds constituents today that there is still time to sign up for a new health insurance plan, or shop around for a different plan if your current one does not meet your health care needs.

Open enrollment goes through March 31.

“There is just over a month left to get signed up for health insurance,” said Thompson. “If you want coverage for the first time, or want to shop around for a better plan at a better price you have until the end of March to do so. Make sure to take advantage of this time to find a plan that’s right for you and your family.”

If people are changing their plans, they need to make sure there is not a lapse in coverage. If you enroll in a new plan between today and March 15 that plan will not take effect until April 1.

If you enroll between March 16 and March 31, that plan will not take effect until May 1.

Constituents should contact their current insurance provider and Covered California to ensure that there is not lapse in coverage.

Under the new law, millions of young adults are able to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans; more than 100 million Americans have received free preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies; children can no longer be denied insurance because they have a pre-existing condition; seniors are saving money on prescription drugs; insurance companies can no longer drop a woman’s coverage because she becomes pregnant, or kick people off of their insurance plan if they become sick; and. women can no longer be charged substantially higher premiums than men for the same coverage.

To shop around for new plans and to compare costs and coverage, visit Covered California’s Web site, http://www.coveredca.com/ .

So far, nearly 830,000 people in our state have signed up for health insurance through Covered California. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties.