Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment underway

Delaware's Health Insurance Marketplace's open enrollment period is underway after a Nov. 1 launch.

Due to job loss or other circumstances, the marketplace is designed for people without group health insurance coverage. This category includes small business owners and employees, and those in professional practice.

Enrollment in the program, once known as Obamacare, has grown over the years, with subsidies, additional carriers, and other changes keeping premiums at a more affordable level.

The open enrollment period will run through Jan. 15, 2025. Delawareans can renew coverage or sign up for a new plan at www.HealthCare.gov.

Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month's premium will be effective Jan. 1.

Individuals who don't act by Jan. 15, 2025, cannot get coverage for 2025 unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on circumstances such as a loss of qualifying health coverage, change of income, becoming a parent, or other qualifying factors.

Consumers will choose from 45 plans offered by four carriers.

"Our Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace is thriving, with increased competition, enhanced subsidies, and important policy efforts increasing enrollment by 77% since 2021. I'm glad to have strong partners, from Congress to our local navigators, from state agencies to state legislators, who help make this progress possible," said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro.

Plans on the marketplace are spread among metal-level categories – bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and catastrophic – and are based on how enrollees choose to split the costs of care with their insurance company.

All plans on the marketplace offer essential health benefits such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, pediatric services, birth control, and breastfeeding coverage. In addition, coverage cannot be terminated due to a change in health status.

Delawareans who need help enrolling in coverage will have access to free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at Westside Family Healthcare (statewide) and Quality Insights, Inc. (New Castle and Sussex counties) and by certified application counselors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown.

State-licensed insurance agents and brokers are also available to help individuals re-enroll and to help employers update their coverage at no extra charge.

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some lower-income residents might be eligible for coverage, though Delaware's expanded Medicaid program is open year-round. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, visit Delaware ASSIST.