Building on Chicago’s ongoing efforts to ensure that its residents have access to affordable healthcare coverage, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced at an event with Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett that Chicago will participate in the White House’s Healthy Communities Challenge—a national initiative designed to assist uninsured citizens across the country in accessing healthcare coverage afforded by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The City announces its participation in the Challenge during its annual open healthcare enrollment period for residents. “The strength and future of Chicago is dependent upon the health and well-being of its residents,” Mayor Emanuel said. “We want to get as many people enrolled in health care as possible because there is no reason why hardworking families should not have the medical coverage necessary to keep everyone in the household healthy and informed.”

In Chicago, approximately 125,000 residents who qualify still lack insurance. “The Affordable Care Act is helping millions of Americans get the health insurance they need, but our work isn’t done. That’s why I’m here in Chicago, to urge all Americans to go online or call for assistance to find the best health care coverage for themselves and their families. We are thrilled that Chicago is one of 20 communities participating in the President’s Healthy Community Challenge to reduce their population of uninsured during the current open enrollment period— and best of luck to my hometown,” said Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett. Enroll Chicago 2016 is now open through January 31, 2016. Chicago residents can visit the State of Illinois’ website, www.getcoveredillinois.gov, for more information on opportunities under the ACA.