Health care costs are a top financial worry among families in the U.S., especially those without health insurance, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll. That’s why the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is working to ensure that every Michigander who needs health insurance has the information they need to get themselves and their families covered — but they must act soon, because the deadline for open enrollment is Jan. 16.
Affordable, high-quality health insurance is important financially and because people with health insurance have access to preventative services as well as treatment for illness or injury. Having health insurance leads to better health. Thankfully, all Michiganders can evaluate their health insurance options and buy a new plan during the current Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period at HealthCare.gov. This is an important opportunity for any Michigander who needs health insurance, including those who were recently found no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage.
We often hear that people worry that they will not be able to afford the health insurance they need or that it is too complicated to enroll. Fortunately, savings are available that can help make health insurance more affordable for many Michiganders. For 2023, more than 85% of Marketplace enrollees qualified for a subsidy, with many able to get health insurance for less than $10 per month. In addition to these savings, free enrollment help is available from local providers at HealthCare.gov/LocalHelp. These trained professionals can help you through the application process, and find a plan that works with your doctors and covers the medical treatments or medications that you or your family need.
It is also important to know that there’s no wrong door to begin — if you or a household member happen to qualify for another program, such as Medicaid or Medicare, HealthCare.gov will direct you to the appropriate program. If you choose to buy your own plan, you are able to select from 169 different health plans, all of which must provide certain comprehensive health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. These benefits include things like office visits, prescription drugs, preventive care, maternity care, and mental health treatments.
If you need health insurance, it is important that you take action before Jan. 16 to get the coverage you need to protect yourself and your family. If you miss the deadline, you might not have another chance to sign up for health insurance for 2024.
Working together we can achieve the goal of promoting a healthier state, all while growing our economy, creating jobs, and lowering costs for Michigan families. Resources to help you get covered are available at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or by calling the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ call center at 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Anita Fox is the Director of the Department of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
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