Brooklyn, N.Y. –  Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke commended New Yorkers who have enrolled for Health Insurance and the work done by NewYorkStateofHealth.Gov since the October 1, 2013 start of enrollment to implement plans for comprehensive health insurance at an affordable cost. 

Nearly 590,000 New York residents have completed their applications and, since December 24, 2013, the number of people enrolled has increased by thirty percent to almost 330,000.

“We are gaining ground and moving closer and closer to the establishment of health care as a fundamental right for every American. As the number of people who complete applications and enroll in insurance increases, we as a nation will strengthen our ability to deliver this right,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “The efforts by people in New York State demonstrate that both public officials and the public as a whole want this system to work, for everyone.”

New Yorkers continue to enroll through the health care marketplace, and have on average found their premium rates are fifty-three percent lower than effective rates of 2013.  The period of open enrollment continues through March 31, 2014.  At this rate, New York will fulfill its plan to have 1.1 million people enrolled by the end of 2016.   

“The people of Brooklyn have already benefited from the health care law.  With each week and each month, we find more interest regarding health insurance plans.  At this rate, we will exceed our expectations for New York and many more people will have access to the healthcare they desperately need,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.