Michigan Consumers Have Less Than One Week Left to Get Marketplace Health Insurance that Starts January 1, 2023

Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are reminding Michiganders who need health insurance to purchase a Health Insurance Marketplace plan by December 15, 2022 for coverage that starts January 1, 2023. More than 67,000 Michiganders have enrolled so far in the Marketplace open enrollment period, which runs until January 15, 2023. Plans purchased after December 15 will not provide coverage until February 1, 2023.

“Every Michigander deserves access to high quality, affordable health care, and that is why it is so important for Michiganders who need health insurance for 2023 to buy a health plan during open enrollment,” said Governor Whitmer. “With new options available to lower the cost of health insurance, Michiganders have more time, more support, and more resources to get covered. I will continue to work with anyone to cut costs for Michiganders and build a healthier Michigan where families can thrive.”

“December 15 is the deadline for enrolling in or changing your Marketplace health plan so that it covers you and your family starting January 1, 2023. Plans purchased or changed after December 15 will not provide coverage until February 1, 2023, so you could have a month without health insurance if you miss the deadline,” said Director Fox. "Even if you are happy with your current health plan, we encourage you to update your HealthCare.gov application and check out the new plans and additional subsidies that may be available. That way, you can make sure you are getting all the savings to which you are entitled while getting high quality, affordable health insurance that works for you, your family, and your budget.”

This year, several factors have made buying a Marketplace health plan both easier and less expensive for Michigan consumers, including:

• Extended subsidies help more Michiganders qualify for low- or no-cost health insurance. Thanks to the increased subsidies that were recently extended under the Inflation Reduction Act, nearly 80% of enrolled Michiganders qualified for a subsidy to help reduce their monthly premium costs in 2022, with many consumers able to find a health plan for less than $10 per month. Before applying, Michiganders can visit HealthCare.gov/Lower-Costs to estimate whether they may qualify for subsidies and other savings.
• Increased competition thanks to new health plans: Michigan consumers can choose from 233 approved health plans from 10 insurers on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is available at HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596.
• $4 million in grants have been awarded to three Michigan organizations to expand access to qualified Navigators. These trained professionals provide free, local assistance to consumers who need help signing up for health coverage. For assistance, visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596.
• Recent federal action has fixed the so-called “family glitch.” More members of working families can now qualify for a subsidy to purchase health insurance.

To review available plans and rates, visit HealthCare.gov today and apply before this Thursday, December 15 for coverage that begins January 1, 2023. For questions about health insurance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

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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