“There was no question that one way or another we were going to open our doors on November 1st. So here we are. Bring it on. We’re ready!” Foundation Communities Executive Director Walter Moreau teared up as he made this declaration at the Prosper Health Coverage kickoff on October 31. Getting ready for the program’s 13th open enrollment season has not been easy. In February, the federal government withdrew $2.4 million from Prosper Health Coverage, money used for staff and outreach to uninsured Central Texans. We are very grateful that Central Health replaced half of that lost funding, $1.2 million.

Getting ready also involved doubling the number of volunteer enrollment counselors to 200. They are now working to help clients find the best Healthcare.gov plan for them. That help is more important with the federal government limiting coverage and subsidies for plans through the Affordable Care Act, causing some premiums to double. Also speaking at the kickoff were Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Central Health President and CEO Dr. Patrick Lee, and Paul Scott, the CEO for HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians). HAAM musician Lindsey Verrill (pictured here) talked about how easy the counselors make signing up for health insurance. She also performed. You can watch video of the entire kickoff below.

Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2026. If you need health insurance you can afford, set up an appointment by calling 512-381-4520, or go to ProsperHealthCoverage.org.