Virginia's Insurance Marketplace open enrollment now underway
Table of Contents
Open Enrollment on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace began Nov. 1, allowing anyone to enroll in new coverage or make changes to their current plans without experiencing a qualifying life event.
Free application assistance is available to Virginians during the open enrollment period and year-round through the Enroll Virginia program.
This year, Virginians may see higher monthly premium costs due to changes at the federal level, according to program officials. Most Virginians still will qualify for financial help on the Marketplace to lower the cost of their health insurance, though. The Marketplace’s online window-shopping tool makes it possible to compare plan details and costs to make a selection that fits each family’s needs and budget.
“It’s more important than ever for Virginians to shop around instead of letting last year’s plan auto-renew,” said Deepak Madala, director of Enroll Virginia. “There could be big changes to your current plan’s monthly premiums. Exploring your options on the Marketplace website during open enrollment is the best way to make sure your coverage still works for you.”
All plans on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace are required to cover essential health benefits like preventive care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Enrolling in health insurance, even a lower-coverage plan, offers protection from high emergency medical bills and pays for preventative services like free annual check-ups.
“People don’t have to figure all of this out on their own – navigators are here to help with the enrollment process,” Madala said. “You can get local assistance completing an application or renewal and get information about important things to consider when you’re selecting a plan.”
Enroll Virginia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative of Virginia Poverty Law Center that provides free and unbiased help with health coverage options through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and FAMIS.
Consumers can contact Enroll Virginia’s staff to learn more about their insurance options and get help enrolling by calling 1-888-392-5132. They can also find local assisters and make in-person and virtual appointments using Enroll Virginia’s online locator tool.
Consumers who need additional information or want to initiate their applications or renewals also can go directly to the Marketplace online at marketplace.virginia.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 888-687-1501 (TTY: 711). Language services are available.
