FILE - Pages from the U.S. Affordable Care Act health insurance website healthcare.gov are seen on a computer screen in New York, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)

VIENNA — While the additional subsidies remain undecided in Congress, an enrollment session for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Vienna Public Library.

Representatives of the West Virginia Navigator will help residents find a plan, said Jeremy Smith, program director for West Virginia Navigator.

The deadline to register for a plan is Thursday, he said. For those unable to attend the event, West Virginia Navigator offers free in-person and phone assistance by calling 304-356-5834 or going to www.WVnavigator.com to make an appointment.

The original health insurance subsidies under the act passed under President Barack Obama will remain in effect, Smith said. The additional enhanced subsidies passed under President Joe Biden that expired Jan. 1 are being debated in Congress.

“Those are the ones that are on the chopping block,” he said.

The extension of the enhanced subsidies has been a major point of contention between Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and in the Senate with Democrats mostly in favor of renewal.

Estimates are that more than 20 million Americans will see premium increases and, according to the Urban Institute and Commonwealth Fund, about 5 million people will drop coverage.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., in a September press briefing said about 60,000 people in West Virginia have insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange and benefit from the subsidies for premiums.

With the expiration of the enhanced subsidies, people and families in West Virginia have been going to less-expensive plans, perhaps with higher deductibles, or have dropped their insurance altogether, Smith said.

“We’re still encouraging everyone to at least look for a good plan,” he said.

Those ineligible for insurance through Medicare, Medicaid or through their employer may be eligible under the Affordable Care Act, he said.

The West Virginia Navigator can help residents of West Virginia and Ohio select a plan and apply for financial assistance to help pay the monthly premium. Four in five people can get a plan for less than $21 per month, according to the West Virginia Navigator.

West Virginia Navigator is a federally funded nonprofit organization that helps families and other underserved communities gain access to health coverage options through the marketplace, Medicaid or CHIP, the children’s health insurance program. The organization can assist with enrollment and help consumers receive financial assistance through HealthCare.gov.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov will receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. Plans include essential benefits including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment and maternity care. Consumers also can receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com