Enrollment starts for ACA health insurance Open enrollment for Obamacare coverage starts

Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace started Friday - and comes at a critical time after nearly 500,000 Virginians lose Medicaid coverage.

Those Virginians had kept coverage through the COVID-19 pandemic because of a freeze on dropping people during the now-expired public health emergency.

Every health plan offered through the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange's insurance marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include emergency services, pregnancy and childbirth services, and prescription drugs.

Costs vary, depending on age, how many people in a household are covered and the cap on out-of-pocket expenses people are willing to take on. Cost subsidies are available for households with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level.

Nine out of 10 people seeking coverage through the exchange qualify for savings, and many Virginians can get coverage for as little as $10 a month, according to the State Corporation Commission, which operates the exchange.

The exchange's Virginia Insurance Marketplace is the only place where Virginians can apply for financial assistance to help lower their monthly health insurance costs.

Individual and family plans are available to eligible Virginians, including those who are unemployed, are self-employed, or have jobs that do not provide affordable insurance options.

Open enrollment through the exchange runs through Jan. 15.

Launched in 2023, the exchange's Virginia Insurance Marketplace has helped more than 400,000 Virginia residents enroll in health plans, placing Virginia among the top 10 states nationwide for first-year enrollment.

"Virginia's Insurance Marketplace was designed by Virginians, for Virginians, and we're excited to help more residents find affordable health coverage," said director Keven Patchett.

He said there are more than 3,000 certified local assisters and insurance agents across the state who can help people pick the right plan. Services are available in more than 15 languages.

"Our team of experts is here to guide Virginians through open enrollment and ensure they receive the best plan to fit their needs and budget," Patchett said.

"Navigating changes in your health care coverage can be daunting, especially for the many residents who have recently lost Medicaid coverage," he said. "Life happens in real time, and we are proud to be an accessible, easy-to-use resource for Virginians to find the plan that's right for them."

To get started, Virginians can go to marketplace.virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans. The exchange has an online help center and a toll-free phone line, (888) 687-1501.

Dave Ress (804) 649-6948dress@timesdispatch.com