Michigan: Gov. Whitmer Urges Michiganders to Take Advantage of Health Care Savings During Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period

via the Michigan Dept. of Insurance & Financial Services:

Open Enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from November 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024

(LANSING, MICH) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are kicking off the annual Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period by reminding Michiganders that they may qualify for low- and no-cost coverage and free local assistance is available to help them get the insurance coverage they need. Open enrollment begins today and runs through January 15, 2024.  For 2023, qualified enrollees, on average, saved more than $400 a month.

“Every Michigander deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” said Governor Whitmer. “This open enrollment period, I encourage Michiganders to explore their options and find a low or no-cost plan that meets their needs. Last month, I signed bipartisan legislation enshrining cost-saving provisions of the Affordable Care Act into state law, including requirements for preventative care, protections for preexisting conditions, and allowing children to stay on their parent’s plans until they turn 26. Let’s keep working together to build a happier, healthier Michigan.”

“Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills, and we know that having comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes for individuals and families,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “If you need health insurance for 2024, it is important to sign up for a plan during open enrollment at HealthCare.gov. Call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance for more information on getting started.”

Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from November 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024. Consumers must select a plan no later than December 15, 2023 for coverage to start on January 1, 2024.  Thanks to savings put in place by the federal government, health insurance may be more affordable for Michiganders. For 2023, more than 85% of enrollees qualified for a subsidy, saving an average of more than $400 per month, with many consumers able to get health insurance for less than $10 per month.

Michiganders can shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). New rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have streamlined the number of available plans to simplify shopping for savings. During open enrollment for 2024 coverage, consumers will be able to choose from 169 health plans on the Marketplace. For the overall individual market, which includes off-Marketplace plans, 228 plans will be available.

Health insurance rates nationwide, including in Michigan, continue to be affected by several factors, including supply chain issues and inflation. For 2024, Michigan’s final rates have an average increase of approximately 5.3%, which is significantly lower than national trends. Michigan has the 4th lowest benchmark rates in the country in 2023, and the state has consistently been in the lowest 10 states since 2016.

For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.