FREDERICK, Md. – One day after the four-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and one week before the close of Open Enrollment for new health insurance coverage through the ACA, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) highlighted the benefits of the health care law during a roundtable discussion with community leaders, health care professionals and constituents in Frederick. Since the law’s enactment, millions of Americans have benefited from increased consumer protections, free preventive services, and greater access to care, including more than five million Americans who have enrolled in insurance plans through the ACA’s marketplaces.

“I continue to travel across Maryland highlighting the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. I have found that the more details people know about what is in the law, the more they like it. That’s what these roundtable discussions are about: encouraging Marylanders to take advantage of the new benefits and helping families learn how they can get quality coverage, often with substantial financial help,” said Senator Cardin. “Thousands of Marylanders have quality health insurance for the first time because of the ACA. With just one week to go in open season, we need to make every day count.  Kudos to all the community leaders and health professionals who are helping Frederick County residents get covered.

Participating in the roundtable discussion with Senator Cardin were senior representatives of the Asian American Center of Frederick, Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick County Health Department, and Healthy Howard.   Until March 31, Marylanders can visit the Maryland Health Connection web site to shop, compare and enroll in a plan that meets their needs, or they can enroll directly with participating health insurance companies. The next open enrollment period will begin on November 15, 2014.