A few weeks ago I met a man from the South Bronx named Wellington. He was diagnosed with cancer and lost his health insurance. The City of New York fought for him and discovered he was entitled to free health coverage. Within a few days Wellington was in the hospital, getting care. Today he is cancer free.

This is a frightening time. People tell me they’re worried about losing affordable health care and don’t know what to do. My answer: Tell everyone you know to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act – or as some people call it, Obamacare. And do it now, because for many of us the last day to enroll for this year may be Tuesday, January 31.

When people have insurance they can see a doctor and deal with small problems before they become big ones. When people have insurance they know that an illness won’t leave them owing lots of money.  That’s why we launched GetCoveredNYC, a team that works to get New Yorkers insured all year long.

There is free coverage available for some people. Others can find plans for as little as $20 a month. Call 929-252-8912 and we will put you in touch with someone who can help.  Enroll online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or dial 311 or text coverednyc to 877877 to find a location to enroll in person.

You may have heard President Trump or Republicans in Congress say they are going to end Obamacare. I can’t promise they won’t, but the best way for you to stop it is to sign up for insurance. Think of what it will do for you and your family. If you need insurance now, then you’ll have it for the rest of this year, maybe longer.

The Affordable Care Act has already changed the lives of 1.6 million New Yorkers, so talk to your friends, neighbors, and relatives and make sure everyone you know gets covered before Tuesday, January 31.

Mayor Bill de Blasio is the 109th mayor of New York City