That thing Senate Democrats are fighting for on your behalf – affordable healthcare – has an important milestone coming up this weekend.
Open Enrollment for the Virginia Insurance Marketplace begins Saturday, and while the news on how your premiums are going to be impacted is, not good – some families will pay $500 more per month for insurance – we are, for the moment, anyway, under the thumb of MAGA Republicans who don’t want folks going to the doctor.
ICYMI
“People don’t have to figure all of this out on their own. Navigators are here to help with the enrollment process,” said Deepak Madala, director of Enroll Virginia, a free service of the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “You can get local assistance completing an application or renewal and get information about important things to consider when you’re selecting a plan.”
All plans on the Virginia Insurance Marketplace are required to cover essential health benefits like preventive care, hospitalization and prescription drugs.
The Open Enrollment period has been extended by two weeks this year. It will run from Nov. through Jan. 30, giving folks a full three months to review and select a plan.
This is the only time of the year for residents to enroll in a plan or to switch plans. After Jan. 30, only those experiencing a qualifying life event (such as getting married or divorced, having a baby, or losing health insurance) may be eligible to enroll.
Enrolling in health insurance – even a lower-coverage plan – protects individuals from high emergency medical bills and pays for preventative services like free annual check-ups.
Most folks will still qualify for financial help on the Marketplace to lower the cost of their health insurance. The Marketplace’s online window-shopping tool makes it possible to compare plan details and costs to make a selection that fits each family’s needs and budget.
“It’s more important than ever for Virginians to shop around instead of letting last year’s plan auto-renew,” Madala said. “There could be big changes to your current plan’s monthly premiums. Exploring your options on the Marketplace website during Open Enrollment is the best way to make sure your coverage still works for you.”
During last year’s Open Enrollment, more than 69,000 new consumers enrolled in healthcare plans, and more than 86 percent of all enrollees qualified for financial assistance.
The Marketplace has helped more than 573,700 Virginia residents enroll in high-quality health insurance plans since launching in 2023.
“Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace was designed by Virginians, for Virginians, and we’re excited to help more residents find high-quality health insurance during this year’s Open Enrollment period,” said Keven Patchett, director of the Virginia Insurance Marketplace. “We also understand that navigating health coverage can be daunting; that’s why we have numerous resources available to consumers and more than 4,300 certified assisters and agents across the Commonwealth ready to guide Virginians through Open Enrollment to find the best plan to fit their unique needs.”
Consumers can contact Enroll Virginia’s staff to learn more about their insurance options and get help enrolling by calling 1-888-392-5132. They can also find local assisters and make in-person and virtual appointments using Enroll Virginia’s online locator tool: enrollva.org/get-help.
You can also go directly to the Marketplace online at marketplace.virginia.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 888-687-1501 (TTY: 711).
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Chris Graham
