Missouri adds health insurance options for 2024 marketplace

As in previous years, Missouri will have at least one insurance company offering health plans in every county in the state. Two carriers will significantly increase their footprints: United Healthcare will provide coverage in an additional 47 counties, and Aetna will provide coverage in an additional 22 counties, the state said.

More than 75% of Missouri counties now have three or more carriers offering coverage in the individual market, and nearly a third of the counties have five or more carriers offering coverage, state officials said.

Jasper, Newton and McDonald counties all will offer four carriers, according to state data. Barton County will offer three, and Barry and Lawrence counties will offer six.

Annual open enrollment for health insurance coverage in the next plan year has already begun. For coverage to start Jan. 1, consumers must enroll or change their plan by Dec. 15. Residents who miss the Dec. 15 deadline will have until Jan. 15 to enroll, but their coverage won't begin until Feb. 1, the state said.

"I am pleased Missourians will continue to have more choices for plan year 2024," said Chlora Lindley-Myers, director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, in a statement. "We will have nine carriers offering individual market coverage in the state, and our department encourages consumers to shop carefully for health insurance coverage."

Find more information about the rate review process and review rate information on DCI's website at insurance.mo.gov/consumers/health/index.php.

___

(c)2023 The Joplin Globe (Joplin, Mo.)

Visit The Joplin Globe (Joplin, Mo.) at www.joplinglobe.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.