LANSING — Michiganders have less than one week left to take advantage of new subsidies and enroll in 2021 health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace special enrollment period, which is available on HealthCare.gov until Aug. 15. Nearly 7,000 Michiganders signed up for health coverage on HealthCare.gov during the month of June, an almost 25% increase over the enrollments reported in all the months since the new opportunity to enroll in health coverage began.

“Nearly 36,000 Michigan families have signed up for Marketplace health coverage since the special enrollment period started in February, underlining the importance of this opportunity for Michigan families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to help Michiganders take advantage of these opportunities to obtain high quality, low-cost health coverage for themselves and their families. Help is available but Michiganders must not wait until it is too late.”

“For many Michiganders, this special enrollment period will be the last opportunity to sign up for health coverage for 2021 and to take advantage of the tax subsidies put in place by the American Rescue Plan,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “DIFS is here to help everyone who is eligible take advantage of these opportunities, so be sure to get started as soon as possible to avoid missing the Aug. 15 deadline. The only mistake you can make is to wait and miss this important opportunity to protect yourself and your family.”

According to information recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 35,632 Michiganders enrolled in new health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace between Feb. 15 and June 30, with 1.2 million Americans signing up across the country. The current special enrollment period, which began on Feb. 15, was extended through Aug. 15, giving Michiganders more opportunities to get high quality, affordable health coverage.

In addition, tax subsidies, which became available on April 1 as part of the American Rescue Plan, have reduced premiums for Michigan consumers who enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Recent reports from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that average monthly premiums in Michigan have fallen to just $108, a 35% reduction. In addition, 34% of new and returning consumers nationwide have found coverage for $10 or less per month on HealthCare.gov. Getting started as soon as possible ensures that consumers can save the most money possible on their health coverage.

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 Sept. 1 for plans selected before Aug. 15. 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.

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace special enrollment period. A virtual health insurance town hall will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12 to answer questions about getting covered before the enrollment deadline. For more information, 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.