DELAWARE MARKETPLACE ENROLLEES WHO RECEIVED A LETTER REQUESTING CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTS MUST SEND INFORMATION BY SEPT. 5 OR LOSE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

NEW CASTLE (Aug. 29, 2014) - Delawareans who recently received a letter from the federal Health Insurance Marketplace asking them to verify information they submitted about their citizenship or immigration status have until Sept. 5 to submit the requested documents or their marketplace health insurance coverage will end Sept. 30.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent letters Aug. 12 to more than 300,000 individuals nationwide - including about 700 in Delaware - who submitted information on their marketplace insurance application that does not match federal records and who had not responded to multiple requests to verify the information. Some inconsistencies involve hyphenated names or accents in a name.

The letters ask the affected individuals to send the documents using their online account on HealthCare.gov or by regular mail to the Health Insurance Marketplace, attention Supporting Documentation, 465 Industrial Blvd, London, KY 40750.

"These letters are legitimate, and we urge anyone who received one to act immediately so they don't lose their coverage," said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the state's Department of Health and Social Services. "We are ready to help those who need assistance with this process."

Delaware's health insurance marketplace guides can provide free help in English or Spanish. Go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com and click on the "I need help with the process" link to find a guide near you. Instructions and other assistance are also available at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling the federal helpline at 1-800-318-2596.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.