LANSING — With new subsidies making health coverage more affordable for consumers, Michigan is among the national leaders for new HealthCare.gov enrollments during the special enrollment period created earlier this year by the Biden Administration.

“Access to quality, affordable health coverage is essential for Michigan families as we build back better from the pandemic,” said Governor Whitmer. “As a result of this special enrollment period and the American Rescue Plan, over 12,000 more Michiganders and 500,000 more Americans nationwide have signed up for coverage on Healthcare.gov. No Michigander should be unable to afford quality health care for their families, and we will continue working with our federal and local partners to make that a reality in Michigan.”

“These enrollment numbers show that Michigan has made great strides in helping more Michiganders sign up for health coverage, but we want to make sure that every Michigander has the affordable health insurance they need,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “Tens of thousands of Michiganders now qualify for low- or no-cost coverage, and DIFS is here to help everyone understand their health coverage options and take advantage of these new opportunities.”

According to information recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 12,262 Michiganders enrolled in new health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace between Feb. 15 and March 31, putting Michigan in the top ten states nationally and second in the region for new signups. The current special enrollment period, which began on Feb. 15, has been extended through Aug. 15, giving Michiganders more opportunities to get high quality, affordable health coverage.

In addition, new subsidies, which became available on Apr. 1 as part of the American Rescue Plan, offer substantial savings for Michigan consumers who enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For example, a family of four making $120,000 per year could save approximately $259 per month, while a 60-year-old married couple could save as much as $943 per month through Dec. 31, 2022. Getting started as soon as possible ensures that consumers can save the most money possible on their health coverage.

The Health Insurance Marketplace and application process, available at HealthCare.gov, has been updated to reflect both the extended special enrollment period and the newly expanded tax credits from the American Rescue Plan. Michiganders who need Marketplace health coverage should start a Marketplace application by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Free local enrollment help can be found by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. Coverage will start on the first of the month after a plan is selected, so coverage will start May 1 for plans selected in April.

Consumers who already have a Marketplace plan should return to the Marketplace and update their 2021 application to see if they qualify for expanded tax credits and take immediate advantage of the higher subsidies. Individuals who choose not to revisit their application will not be able to lower their monthly health coverage premiums this year and will have to wait until they file their 2021 tax returns in 2022 to get the expanded tax credits for which they qualify. Consumers should know that selecting a new plan under this extended special enrollment period may trigger a reset of their annual deductible for 2021. Consumers should contact their insurer for more information.

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that is now open through Aug. 15. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming DIFS and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services virtual health insurance town halls, consumers should visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.