Great Lakes Wire

State leaders are reminding Michigan residents that they can now enroll for health insurance.

The yearly Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period started on Nov. 1 and is open until Jan. 15, 2023, according to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D-MI) office.

"Every Michigander deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care for themselves and their families," Whitmer said in the press release. "That's why I have been working to lower the cost of coverage and expand access for years, to ensure every family has access to care at an affordable price. We need to work together to lower the cost of health care so people can have more money in their pockets and better health outcomes, especially as they face rising costs on other essentials. With these subsidies, Michiganders have more time, more support, and more resources to get covered. I will work with anyone to build a healthier Michigan where anyone can thrive."

Michigan residents interested in choosing health insurance can pick from 233 health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, the press release noted. They can visit HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596.

"Many people may not sign up for health insurance because they think it is too expensive or too complicated, but several recent changes have brought down the barriers so every Michigander can get the health insurance they need for themselves and their families," Anita Fox, director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), said in the press release. "We know that comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes for individuals and families, so it is important to sign up for a plan during open enrollment to take advantage of newly extended subsidies to get low- or no-cost coverage. Call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance for more information on getting started."

Residents have over 308 health plans to choose from, including off-Marketplace plans, according to the press release. That is an increase of 52 plans from last year. Michigan remains one of the most affordable states in which to purchase health insurance, with the fourth-lowest benchmark rates in the country. It has consistently been among the 10 lowest states for health plan rates since 2016.