If you have lost your job or seen your income plummet due to the coronavirus pandemic and lost health insurance as a result, state officials want you to know that there are low and no-cost options available to you.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services — DIFS — reports that residents of Michigan who lose a job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Best of all, if you are in such a situation, you are not required to wait for the yearly Open Enrollment Period and state officials says you should act now.
DIFS Director Anita G. Fox, tells us, “Michiganders who lose employer-based health insurance may have options to continue or replace their coverage,” adding, “If consumers have questions about enrolling, DIFS is available to assist.”
Consumers have 60-days after losing essential health coverage, such as through a job loss, or experienced a change in income to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period. To determine eligibility, consumers should visit this link: http://www.healthcare.gov.
Depending on income and your situation, you may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for your children (CHIP), or Medicaid. You should contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442 if you need assistance.
Act now and apply
- When you lose essential health coverage, you may be eligible to enroll in an individual health plan during a Special Enrollment Period.
- If you are new to www.healthcare.gov, you can create an account. If you already have one, you may log in to start or update an application.
Enrollment help is available
- DIFS can help. The Michigan Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program (HICAP) can provide shopping tips and help answer questions about health insurance or Special Enrollment Periods.
- Contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 or email at DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov.
Resources to get started:
Understanding-Your-Health-Insurance
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/special-enrollment-period/
