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May 27, 2021
Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2021
(LANSING, MICH) Taking advantage of new subsidies to make health insurance more affordable, nearly 22,000 Michiganders and 940,000 Americans have signed up for health insurance on HealthCare.gov during the special enrollment period that the Biden Administration opened up earlier this year.
“Building back better means addressing underlying issues that have been exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic, including lack of access to high-quality, affordable health insurance,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As a result of the special enrollment period and the American Rescue Plan, more than 21,000 Michigan families have already signed up for Marketplace health coverage. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that every Michigander has access to the coverage they need for themselves and their families.”
“We are pleased with the gains made during this special enrollment period, but with the newly expanded subsidies, more people than ever can qualify for help to make their health coverage more affordable,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “In addition, free local help is available at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to help everyone who is eligible take advantage of these new opportunities.”
According to information recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 21,826 Michiganders enrolled in new health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace between February 15 and April 30. The current special enrollment period, which began on February 15, has been extended through August 15, giving Michiganders more opportunities to get high quality, affordable health coverage.
In addition, new subsidies, which became available on April 1 as part of the American Rescue Plan, offer substantial savings for Michigan consumers who enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For example, a family of four making $120,000 per year could save approximately $259 per month, while a 60-year-old married couple could save as much as $943 per month at least through December 31, 2022. Getting started as soon as possible ensures that consumers can save the most money possible on their health coverage.
The Health Insurance Marketplace and application process, available at HealthCare.gov, has been updated to reflect both the extended special enrollment period and the newly expanded tax credits from the American Rescue Plan. Michiganders who need Marketplace health coverage should start a Marketplace application by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Free local enrollment help can be found by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. Coverage will start on the first of the month after a plan is selected, so coverage will start June 1 for plans selected in May.
Consumers who already have a Marketplace plan should return to the Marketplace and update their 2021 application to see if they qualify for expanded tax credits and take immediate advantage of the higher subsidies. Michigan insurers offering plans on the Marketplace have agreed to allow consumers to switch plans without restarting their deductibles. Individuals who choose not to revisit their application will not be able to lower their monthly health coverage premiums this year and will have to wait until they file their 2021 tax returns in 2022 to get the expanded tax credits for which they qualify.
DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that is now open through August 15. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming virtual health insurance town halls, consumers should visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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