An outfit called Enroll Virginia is prepared to help displaced workers navigate the loss of job-based health insurance.
Based on what we’re seeing about the economic forecast, you’re going to want to bookmark this.
Enroll Virginia’s statewide team of assisters continues to provide free, unbiased assistance to Virginians in need of health coverage. Individuals who lose or expect to lose their health coverage can contact Enroll Virginia for help reviewing their options and enrolling in new coverage.
Displaced workers will need to act quickly so they don’t miss the 60-day special enrollment deadline.
“COBRA is not your only option as a displaced worker,” said Enroll Virginia director Deepak Madala. “You might be eligible for other programs that provide quality health insurance at a more affordable cost, even if it’s a short-term need.”
About Enroll Virginia
Enroll Virginia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative of Virginia Poverty Law Center that provides free and unbiased help with health coverage options through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and FAMIS. Consumers can contact Enroll Virginia’s staff to learn more about their insurance options and get help enrolling by calling the toll-free helpline at 1-888-392-5132. They can also find local assisters and make in-person or virtual appointments using Enroll Virginia’s online locator tool at enrollva.org/get-help.
In addition to the recent forecast of a massive recession, resulting from Donald Trump’s shortsighted tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Virginia gets the double-whammy of having 300,000 people employed in the federal government, and another 375,000 employed by government contractors, whose jobs have been put at risk by the Trump/Musk DOGE budget cuts.
Federal workers who have already or will soon lose their jobs can make an appointment with a navigator to discuss their options and transition to new health coverage.
“We encourage people to reach out as soon as they know they will need to change their health insurance,” Madala said. “Because the enrollment period is limited to 60 days, that’s the best way to make sure you don’t experience any gaps in your health coverage. Navigators are here to provide step-by-step guidance to make sure you can find the best coverage for you and have uninterrupted access to the health care you need.”
Some may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through the Marketplace or Medicaid. Virginia has its own state health insurance marketplace – Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace – which allows consumers to compare plans, enroll, and find local help all in one place.
Most qualify for financial help to lower the cost of their health plan. Individuals who meet income and other eligibility guidelines may instead qualify for free comprehensive coverage through Medicaid.
Loss of employer coverage is a qualifying event that allows Virginians to purchase VIM coverage outside of open enrollment. However, the enrollment window is limited. Individuals may need to move quickly to submit an application in order to avoid gaps in their health coverage. Most will have 60 days from the date of their qualifying event to enroll in a plan.
“We’re available to help Virginians who have lost health coverage for any reason review their options,” Madala said. “Right now, that means preparing to help displaced federal workers who might be considering the Marketplace or Medicaid as options for the first time. But we’re also ready to support folks who have lost Medicaid or lost their health coverage for other reasons.”
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Chris Graham
