November 1, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
RICHMOND, VA – Today is the first day of Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov for the 2023 plan year. This is the time of year that anyone can enroll in new coverage or make changes to an existing plan on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace, even if they do not qualify for a special enrollment period. The deadline is December 15 to enroll in coverage effective January 1, 2023. All Marketplace plans are Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that cover pre-existing conditions and offer free preventive health services.
This year, enhanced subsidies are expected to lower the cost of premiums for most consumers. More financial assistance is available on the Marketplace than ever before, and 4 out of 5 consumers can enroll in plans that cost less than $10 every month. The eligibility income thresholds have also increased, so more shoppers — even some with income exceeding 400% of the federal poverty level, historically the ceiling for tax credit eligibility — can qualify for help.
The IRS’s recent fix to the “family glitch” has also changed the landscape for this year’s Open Enrollment, creating access to financial help for families who were previously excluded. Those who fell into the glitch — working families who did not have an affordable employer-based offer of family coverage yet were also ineligible for Marketplace tax credits due to a technical error — will have new, low-cost coverage options in 2023.
“It’s always a good idea for consumers to check HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment every year,” said Sara Cariano, Senior Health Policy Analyst at the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “Prices and plan details change, so instead of automatically renewing we really encourage current enrollees to shop around and make sure they’re choosing the best option for themselves right now. Individuals who weren’t eligible or couldn’t find low-cost coverage in the past may also find that they do qualify in 2023.”
Enroll Virginia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative of the Virginia Poverty Law Center that provides free and unbiased help with health coverage options through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace, Medicaid, and FAMIS. Consumers can contact Enroll Virginia’s staff to learn more about their insurance options and get help enrolling by calling 1-888-392-5132. They can also find local assisters and make in-person and virtual appointments using Enroll Virginia’s online locator tool: enrollva.org/get-help.
Consumers who need additional information or want to initiate their applications or renewals can also go directly to the Marketplace online at HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Language services are available.
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Enroll Virginia (a project of the Virginia Poverty Law Center) is a network of community-based organizations committed to helping Virginians access high quality, affordable health coverage. Our navigators and enrollment experts are trained and certified to provide free, unbiased assistance on health insurance options available through Healthcare.gov, Medicaid, and FAMIS. Enroll Virginia is supported by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, in accordance with the provisions of Va. Code § 38.2-6513(B). The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors.
CONTACT: Mara Guyer
Communications and Marketing Specialist, Enroll Virginia
804-801-2927