NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are reminding Michiganders who need health insurance that the deadline to purchase a health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace is Tuesday, Jan. 16.
“Every Michigander deserves access to affordable, comprehensive health care, and that is why it is so important for Michiganders who need health insurance for 2024 to buy a health plan before the Jan. 16 deadline,” said Whitmer. “Now is the time for Michiganders to take advantage of free, local help, newly streamlined plan options, and available savings that can help lower the cost of health insurance. Our administration will continue to work with anyone to help reduce costs for Michigan families while we build a healthier Michigan where families can thrive.”
“This year, the open enrolment deadline has been extended to Jan. 16, but it is important that you take action as soon as possible if you need health insurance for 2024. The biggest mistake you could make is to wait and miss the deadline, as you may not have another chance to enrol in or change your health plan for the year,” said Fox. "By applying on HealthCare.gov and selecting a plan before the deadline, you can make sure you are getting all the benefits and savings to which you are entitled while protecting yourself with high quality, affordable health insurance that works for you, your family, and your budget. For more information about health insurance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS at 877-999-6442, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.”
The open enrolment deadline is generally January 15 but, because Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Jan. 15, the federal government has extended the 2024 open enrolment deadline to Jan. 16, with coverage beginning on Feb. 1. This gives consumers an extra day to select from the 169 available plans by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Free local enrolment help is available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov.
Thanks to savings put in place by the federal government, health insurance may be more affordable for Michiganders. According to the most recent enrolment data provided by the federal government, more than 394,000 Michiganders have already enroled during this year’s Marketplace open enrolment period, an increase of almost 25 per cent over this time last year. For 2023, more than 85 per cent of enrolees qualified for savings, with many consumers able to get health insurance for less than $10 per month.
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.
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