With the deadline for open enrollment in the Health insurance Marketplace fast approaching – tomorrow – numbers are up for those who have already enrolled, but there are still eligible residents who have not yet enrolled, according to numbers coming from the State of Michigan.
The number of uninsured Michigan residents went up this year, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “That’s why it’s crucial for all of those who need to get covered to enroll now, ahead of the December 15th deadline.”
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox said, “The December 15 open enrollment deadline is quickly approaching, and it is vital that you get started today. The most often-cited barriers to signing up for insurance are because consumers think it’s too expensive or too complicated to enroll. The good news is, there’s free local enrollment help available and the vast majority of Michiganders who signed up last year received subsidies to lower their costs. Consumers can check out plan options and their estimated discount, all without logging in or creating an account.”
Nearly 80,000 Michiganders already signed up for health insurance through the Marketplace. Of those, 80% got federal assistance to lower their premiums.
From Press Release: To determine eligibility and to review their options, consumers should visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov. Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. For help getting started, consumers should contact DIFS toll free Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland
