Approximately 4.6 million individuals have opted for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plan since the opening of the 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) on November 1. This number reflects activity up to November 18 for the 32 states using HealthCare.gov and up to November 11 for the 17 states and the District of Columbia with State-based Marketplaces (SBMs).
Out of the total, 920,000 individuals, constituting 20% of the total enrollees, are new to the Marketplaces for 2024. The remaining 3.7 million, or 80% of total enrollees, are individuals with active 2023 coverage who returned to their respective Marketplaces to renew their coverage or select a new plan for 2024.
In addition, data indicates significant increases in Marketplace enrollment during 2023. Prior to the 2024 OEP, about 1.5 million more people enrolled in Marketplace coverage nationwide from March to September 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
This increase highlights the impact of new and stronger Marketplace systems and policies in aiding people to access affordable, comprehensive coverage through the Marketplaces. Notably, this includes individuals transitioning from Medicaid coverage as states resume Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility renewals for the first time in three years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2024 Marketplace OEP runs from November 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, for Marketplaces using the HealthCare.gov platform. Consumers who enroll by midnight on December 15 will receive full-year coverage starting January 1, 2024.
People with current coverage through HealthCare.gov are encouraged to return and shop around to see if another plan better meets their needs at a lower cost. Marketplace coverage may also be an option for individuals transitioning from Medicaid and CHIP as states continue eligibility renewals for these programs this year.
For the 2024 plan year, 96% of HealthCare.gov enrollees will have the option to choose among three or more plans. In addition, standardized plan options are available, making it easier for consumers to compare and choose plans. Most of these standardized plan options offer many services pre-deductible, including primary care, generic drugs, preferred brand drugs, urgent care, specialist visits, mental health and substance use outpatient office visits, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapies.
To enroll or re-enroll in health insurance coverage for 2024, individuals have multiple options available. They can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 to complete an application. For those seeking assistance with signing up, accessing Find Local Help on HealthCare.gov is recommended. This resource enables individuals to locate a Navigator, Certified Application Counselor, or agent or broker who can provide guidance throughout the process. Discover the support you need at www.healthcare.gov/find-assistance/.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.