LANSING — With fewer than two months remaining before the end of the current special enrollment period, nearly 29,000 Michiganders have signed up for health coverage on HealthCare.gov, an almost 33% increase in the month of May alone.

“Since the special enrollment period began on Feb. 15, nearly 29,000 Michiganders have signed up for Marketplace health coverage,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to help Michiganders take advantage of newly expanded subsidies that can help thousands more afford the health coverage they need for themselves and their families.”

“More Michiganders than ever now qualify for help to make their health coverage more affordable through newly expanded subsidies put in place by the American Rescue Plan,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “The enrollment deadline is fast approaching, so Michiganders who need health coverage should get started as soon as possible to get the coverage they need to protect their health and financial wellness.”

According to information recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 28,831 Michiganders enrolled in new health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace between Feb. 15 and May 31, with more than 1 million Americans signing up across the country. The special enrollment period runs through Aug. 15, and new subsidies 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 at least 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 expanded subsidies. 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). Coverage will start on the first of the month after a plan is selected, so coverage will start July 1 for plans selected in June.

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. Michigan insurers offering plans on the Marketplace have agreed to allow consumers to switch plans without restarting their deductibles. 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.

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period before the Aug. 15 enrollment deadline. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming DIFS and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) 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.