Are You Covered?

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 Dear [firstname],

El Paso has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and it’s never been more crucial for our community to have reliable and affordable health care. Unfortunately, about 21% of El Pasoans are uninsured and may not be able to receive the medical attention they need.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order opening a special enrollment period for El Pasoans to get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (sometimes known as the ACA or “Obamacare”). Now through May 15, 2021, you can visit www.HealthCare.gov and find the best plan for you and your family.

Health care coverage is more affordable than you think, with 9 out of 10 Americans qualifying for financial assistance that can help lower their monthly premiums. As a result, 3 out of 4 people can currently find plans for $50 per month or less.

If you already have health care but want to change your plan, you can also update your coverage, change health insurance providers, or renew your plan if you didn’t before the 2020 deadline in December.

Free help to find the best coverage plan for you and your family is available. If you have questions about signing up or want to talk through your options with a trained and certified professional, you can call 1-800-318-2596, visit localhelp.healthcare.gov, or contact our three local ACA navigators:


University Medical Center El Paso
4815 Alameda Ave., El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 521-7900


Centro San Vicente
8061 Alameda Ave., El Paso, TX 79915
Phone: (915) 858-2932


Project Vida
3607 Rivera Ave., El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 533-7057

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccines, and Additional Resources

New information about COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout plan is coming out daily. Please visit my resource page on my website for the latest updates, recommendations from the CDC, and a Frequently Asked Questions section to know the latest. Additionally, visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The CDC provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals, as well as Frequently Asked Questions available here

The City of El Paso has a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.

The City of El Paso offers mobile testing centers throughout the city that are now open and are free of charge for any symptomatic or asymptomatic person. For more information on locations and operating hours, please click here

Currently, the City of El Paso is administering COVID-19 vaccines to El Pasoans who meet the 1A and 1B criteria. Phase 1A recipients include frontline healthcare workers and residents in long-term care facilities. Phase 1B recipients include people 65 years of age and older and people 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19.

If you fall into one of these categories, you may now be able to receive a vaccine depending on supplies and can pre-register on their website, or by calling their COVID-19 hotline at 915-212-6843. Vaccines have also been distributed to other local providers and I encourage you to visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website to find a provider near you.

Lastly, please encourage your family and neighbors to subscribe to my newsletter, so I can provide them with timely updates. For news throughout the week, you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter at @RepEscobar.

The safety and well-being of you and your loved ones are of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at Veronica.Escobar@mail.house.gov or by phone at 915-541-1400.

Sincerely,

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress

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