Health insurance marketplace enrollment underway

Open enrollment is underway for Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, the commonwealth's official state-based exchange dedicated to providing health insurance to eligible consumers.

This open enrollment season, running now through Jan. 15, 2025, comes as nearly 500,000 Virginians have lost Medicaid coverage following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Launched in 2023, the 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. The marketplace is operated by the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission.

"With more than 3,000 certified local assisters and agents across the commonwealth and translation services 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," said Keven Patchett, director of Virginia's Insurance Marketplace.

The marketplace is the only place where Virginians can apply for financial assistance to help lower their monthly health insurance costs. Nine out of 10 customers qualify for savings, and many Virginians can get coverage for as little as $10 a month. 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.

Every health plan offered on the marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include emergency services, pregnancy and childbirth services, and prescription drugs.

"Navigating changes in your health care coverage can be daunting, especially for the many residents who have recently lost Medicaid coverage," said Patchett.

The plan year 2025 Open Enrollment Period runs through Jan. 15, 2025. Anyone who enrolls by Dec. 31 will have health insurance coverage effective on Jan. 1, 2025.

For those who enroll between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15, coverage will begin Feb. 1. After Jan. 15, Virginians experiencing a Qualifying Life Event (such as having a baby or losing health insurance coverage) may be eligible to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

To get started, Virginians can visit Marketplace.Virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans.

The Marketplace Help Center on the website can connect Virginians to someone either in person or on the phone. Free translation services are also available.

The FAQ page at the website answers some of the most common questions about the marketplace.