Gov. Whitmer Announces Marketplace Open Enrollment Begins Today with New Plans, Lowering Costs for Working Families

Posted on November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

This release was issued by Governor Whitmer’s Office, emailed to the Shield Insurance Office.

Gov. Whitmer Announces Marketplace Open Enrollment Begins Today with New Plans, Lowering Costs for Working Families

Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2021

(LANSING, MICH) Gov. Whitmer today announced Michiganders have more plans to choose from, more low- or no-cost coverage options, and more time to enroll during the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period, which runs today, November 1 through January 15, 2022.

“Michigan has called for expanded health coverage opportunities throughout the pandemic, and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for its continued work in lowering costs to high-quality, comprehensive health insurance for Michigan’s working families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Through increased subsidies, an extended enrollment period, and more investment in local assistance, Michiganders have the support they need to get covered for 2022.”

“Many people worry it is either too expensive or too complicated to sign up for a health plan. Fortunately, Michigan remains one of the least expensive states in the country to purchase health insurance and there is free, local enrollment help available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or calling 800-318-2596,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “Comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes, so Open Enrollment is an important opportunity for Michiganders to protect their health and financial wellness.”

More Health Plans

During Open Enrollment, Michigan consumers are able to choose from 174 approved health plans from 10 insurers on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is available at HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596. In addition, an increased number of off-Marketplace plans are also available, bringing the total number of individual plans available to Michiganders to 256.

Overall, DIFS has approved average rate changes for individual plans that range from a decrease of 1.8% to an increase of 8.8%. Overall, the average rate increase on the individual market is 4.7%, well below the 6% average annual increase in health care costs seen during the last two years. Michigan continues to have a robust marketplace and comparatively lower average premium rates than most other states, tying for the 3rd lowest benchmark premiums in a 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation study.

More Low-or No-Cost Coverage Options

Increased subsidies established by the American Rescue Plan to give more Michiganders the opportunity to qualify for low- or no-cost coverage will continue in 2022. In 2021, Michigan consumers saw an average premium reduction of 45% through these subsidies or more than $71 per month in savings. Statewide, Michiganders saw nearly $12 million in savings per month, and nationally, more than half of consumers found coverage for $10 or less per month.

Premium tax credits depend on estimated household income, and consumers will see the monthly savings they qualify for when they apply for Marketplace coverage. Before applying, Michiganders can visit HealthCare.gov/Lower-Costs to estimate whether they may qualify for subsidies and other savings.

More Time, Assistance for Open Enrollment

The Biden-Harris Administration extended the 2022 Open Enrollment period so that consumers have until January 15, 2022, to enroll. However, consumers generally need to choose a plan by December 15 for their coverage to start January 1, 2022.

In addition, $3.3 million in grants have been awarded to three Michigan organizations to expand access to qualified Navigators who provide free assistance to consumers who need help signing up for health coverage. For assistance, visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596.

To review available plans and rates, visit HealthCare.gov today. For questions about health coverage, visit the Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Carlos Garcia, Health Benefits Specialist, Shield Insurance Agency

Contact Carlos Garcia, or 616.896.4600, Shield Insurance Health Care Advisor. You can even click here to fill out a quick form and we will get back to you soon.

Carlos is the Shield Agency specialist in health insurance and represents several companies.

Carlos can work with you to choose the best company and the best policy to meet your specific needs.

He can take care of your family and employees as well. can help answer your questions and get you insured.

Check out the other posts from Shield Insurance

What is a Qualifying Event and Why Does It Matter?

Posted on November 30, 2020September 5, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Qualifying Event | Health Insurance | Contact Bri Today!

The terms Qualifying Event, Special Enrollment Period, and Open Enrollment Period get tossed around in conversation when discussing both employer-sponsored benefits and individual health insurance plans.

The timeframes in which you can alter your benefits through a company or for your own individual policy are limited to certain times or events of the year. For employer-provided benefits, the time of year to make changes, add, or remove coverage for yourself and family members is called open enrollment and is managed by Human Resources. It’s “open” because these adjustments are made at the employee’s discretion. If you purchase your own health insurance through a private insurance company or the Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare), open enrollment takes place each year starting November 1^st and ending December 15^th. Any changes from this timeframe go into effect as of January 1^st of the following year. Outside of these timeframes, your benefits are locked in until the next enrollment period. But what happens if you need to make changes at another time due to a qualifying event?

What is a Qualifying Event?

A Qualifying Event is a life circumstance that allows someone to make changes to their insurance coverage outside of open enrollment for both employers and individuals. A Qualifying Event is a reason to have a Special Enrollment Period or midyear change. The allowed timeframe for reporting these changes or updating coverage is between 30-60 days from the date of the event. If you have missed this timeframe, you may not be allowed to make changes. Some examples of qualifying events are birth, marriage, divorce, or loss of other coverage. If you have questions about your own coverage or coverage through an employer, we are here to help!

If you have any questions or would like to explore your options for health insurance, it is always a good idea to contact your insurance carrier or speak with an insurance agent. Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can provide you with a free quote and personalized advice. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon.

Don’t Ignore Open Enrollment

Posted on November 16, 2020August 26, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

Insurance and you — why open enrollment is not something to ignore. Consider your options carefully and keep your eye on the clock.

If you are one of the 183 million people who receive health insurance through your employer, you might be asking if open enrollment actually applies to you and, if so, if there’s anything you need to do. The answer to both questions is “yes.”

Each year, an open enrollment period takes place that allows employees to enroll in their employer-sponsored health insurance. It gives you the opportunity to either confirm your current health insurance coverage or to consider signing up for a new plan that better suits your needs.

When considering your options during the open enrollment, there are several factors to take into account. Here they are.

Changes to Your Health

First, take a moment to check in with your actual health. You’ll want to plan for any upcoming or ongoing medical needs. For example, if you know you’ll need surgery in the coming months, take the time to check your insurance plan’s network of doctors. This can help you avoid any surprises when it comes to what doctors and services are covered.

Your Budget

Next, take a moment to consider how your health insurance impacts your budget over the course of the year. If you had a high deductible plan with a lower premium, did that work well for you? Or, did you have an expensive medical event that caused you to dip into your savings?

If that’s the case, it’s possible a low deductible plan with a higher monthly premium would better spread out your health care costs over the course of the year.

If you have expensive prescriptions, be sure to review the prescription benefits your company offers. Your employer might work with a prescription discount company that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

More Than Just Health Insurance

Your employer may also offer additional coverage during open enrollment such as life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, or even pet insurance. These benefits can be valuable, especially if your employer is willing to contribute to the premium.

To determine whether or not you should participate, consider your circumstances; for example, if you are pregnant and know that you will be away from the office on maternity leave next year, you may benefit greatly from a short-term disability plan. Or, if you recently adopted a puppy, this could be a great time to look into pet insurance.

Timing Matters

Your employer will set the timing for the open enrollment period, determining the start and finish dates.

Generally, employers hold open enrollment during the fall, and your benefits will kick in on January 1 of the following year.

You should expect to receive several email notices from Human Resources – make sure to pay attention so you don’t miss any important signup details.

If you don’t believe your employer has sent anything out, make sure to ask directly. It’s important to sign up for the coverage you want by the close of open enrollment, otherwise, you may have to wait until next year to do so.

If you have a qualifying life event that occurs during the course of the year, your employer will offer you another window of time where you can adjust your benefits. Qualifying events include birth, divorce, or a spouse’s job loss. If you need to change your benefits during the year, feel free to ask questions and find out if your life event qualifies you to make a change.

During open enrollment, your employer is offering you the chance to make potentially critical adjustments to your health insurance — make sure you take advantage! Consider your options carefully and keep your eye on the clock.