Statement of U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment

"As the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period begins today, I encourage you to sign up for an affordable plan that fits your health and financial needs at www.HealthCare.gov.

"Among many of its benefits, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimates that the Affordable Care Act will help stem “job lock” and enable 1.5 million more people to become self-employed -- thereby helping would be entrepreneurs unleash their creative capacity for our economy. For example, the ACA has allowed people like Linda and Ross Dickson get affordable healthcare, become entrepreneurs, and open a small retail business in Georgetown, Texas. Today, they celebrate the recent one-year anniversary of their small business and have signed a long-term lease.

"To sign up or to learn what financial assistance is available, you can also call 1-800-318-2596 to contact the person in your community who can help you with finding the plan that best meets your needs.  Encouraging more Americans to enroll is important as we address our nation’s healthcare needs and stabilize costs."