Health insurance enrollment deadlines approaching

Virginia's Insurance Marketplace encourages Virginians needing health insurance coverage immediately in 2025 to apply before Dec. 31 of this year.

Open enrollment does not end until Jan. 15, 2025; however, those who apply for benefits before Dec. 31 will begin receiving benefits on Jan. 1, 2025.

Health care coverage secured after the Dec. 31 deadline, but before the final Jan. 15 deadline, will receive coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2025.

After this period, Virginians can still enroll in healthcare plans if they experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a child, or losing health coverage. Virginians who have lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding period can also find affordable health plans on the Marketplace through June 30, 2025.

Every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, including emergency services, pregnancy and childbirth services, and prescription drugs. Individual and family plans are available to eligible Virginians, including those who are unemployed, are self-employed, or have jobs that don't provide affordable insurance options.

Keven Patchett, director of Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, assured in a news release that their teams are "prepared to continue helping Virginians navigate the open enrollment process and receive the perfect health plan for themselves and their families."

Virginians can visit Marketplace.Virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans. The Help Center offers an FAQ resource page, and connections with agents over the phone or in person. Translation services are also available.

Virginia's Insurance Marketplace is operated by the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission. As the Commonwealth's official platform for comparing and purchasing health insurance, the Marketplace has helped more than 400,000 residents enroll in health plans since its launch in 2023. Nine out of 10 households qualify for financial assistance through the Marketplace.

For more information or to enroll, visit marketplace.virginia.gov.