In the wake of changes to Medicaid coverage, many Michiganders are finding themselves unexpectedly uninsured. If you or a loved one has recently lost Medicaid, you might be wondering what your options are for finding affordable health insurance. The good news? You can still find coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and depending on your income, there’s a good chance you qualify for a plan that fits your budget. In this article, we’ll walk you through why these changes are happening and how to secure affordable coverage to protect yourself and your family.
Why Are Michiganders Losing Medicaid?
Over the past few years, many individuals were automatically enrolled in Medicaid due to expanded eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government put policies in place to ensure that those impacted by the pandemic would not lose their health insurance. However, with the public health emergency officially over, states like Michigan are reevaluating eligibility for Medicaid, leading to a reduction in coverage for many individuals.
As part of the “Medicaid unwinding” process, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reviewing enrollees’ eligibility. Those who no longer qualify—whether due to increased income, changes in family size, or other factors—are losing their Medicaid benefits.
If you’ve received a notice that your Medicaid coverage has ended or will be ending soon, you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders are in the same boat, but fortunately, there are options to help you stay covered.
How the Marketplace Can Help
The Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as Healthcare.gov, is a great option for individuals and families who are losing Medicaid. The Marketplace offers a variety of health insurance plans, and you may qualify for subsidies or tax credits that can significantly reduce the cost of your monthly premiums.
What Is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a service that helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. Through the Marketplace, you can compare different plans based on your needs, income, and location to find one that fits your budget.
For many individuals, particularly those who have lost Medicaid, the Marketplace offers a safety net. Depending on your income, you may be able to find plans with low premiums or even zero-dollar premiums after applying for subsidies.
Who Is Eligible for Marketplace Coverage?
If you’ve lost Medicaid coverage, there’s a good chance you qualify to enroll in a Marketplace plan during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You are eligible for an SEP if:
- You recently lost Medicaid coverage.
- You experience a significant life change, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
- You move to a new state or significantly change your income.
For Michiganders who earn between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, subsidies or tax credits can significantly lower the cost of premiums. Even if your income is slightly higher, you may still qualify for some financial assistance. For those with low incomes, you might find plans with low out-of-pocket costs or additional savings.
How to Enroll in Marketplace Coverage
If you’re ready to find a new health insurance plan, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
- Visit Healthcare.gov: Head over to the Health Insurance Marketplace to begin the process. You’ll be asked to create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Enter Your Information: You’ll need to provide some basic information, including your income, family size, and where you live. This helps the Marketplace determine what plans and subsidies you qualify for.
- Compare Plans: Based on your information, you’ll be shown a range of plans to choose from. Be sure to compare premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coverage options to find a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.
- Apply for Subsidies: If you’re eligible for financial assistance, the system will automatically apply premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to the plans, allowing you to see the actual cost you’ll pay.
- Enroll: Once you’ve found the right plan, enroll and choose your start date for coverage. It’s that simple!
The Benefits of Getting Marketplace Coverage
While losing Medicaid can feel stressful, Marketplace coverage offers several key benefits:
- Affordable Premiums: With subsidies, many Michiganders are finding affordable coverage with premiums as low as $10-$20 per month, or even $0 in some cases.
- Comprehensive Coverage: All plans offered through the Marketplace must include essential health benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
- Protection from High Medical Bills: By staying insured, you’re protected from high medical costs that can arise from an unexpected illness or injury.
If you’ve lost your Medicaid coverage, don’t delay in finding new health insurance. Health issues can arise when you least expect them, and staying covered is the best way to ensure you and your family are protected.
Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs from November 1 to January 15, but if you’ve lost Medicaid, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Be sure to act fast—typically, you’ll need to sign up within 60 days of losing coverage.
Navigating the world of health insurance can be confusing, especially when you’ve just lost coverage. At Zimmer and Associates, we’ve been helping Michiganders like you for decades. Our team is ready to guide you through the process of finding affordable coverage through the Marketplace.
We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to provide personalized support to help you get the coverage you need. Whether you need help comparing plans or applying for subsidies, our friendly team will make the process as simple as possible.
Losing Medicaid doesn’t have to mean losing your health coverage. By exploring your options through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can find an affordable plan that keeps you and your family protected. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Zimmer and Associates—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
