Open enrollment for health insurance is here, deadlines are important

Nov. 15—Last year, 32% of Ravalli County residents enrolled in the marketplace exchange got a plan for $10 per month according to the Montana Primary Care Association.

November 1 marked the official open enrollment period for Americans to enroll in the marketplace, apply for Medicaid, or change their health care plans to better meet their needs. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15. If Montanans need coverage on Jan. 1, they must enroll by Dec.15.

This open enrollment period is crucial for the 3,952 Ravalli County residents who lost Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids coverage because the window for people to reenroll is closing quickly. People have until Jan. 15, 2025, to reapply, or they may have to wait until November 2025 to apply again.

"Over the past year and a half, thousands of Montanans have seen changes to their health insurance coverage. In Ravalli County, 3,952 have lost Medicaid since 2023," said Olivia Riutta, director of population health with the Montana Primary Care Association. "The window to get covered again is closing, but it's not too late. We will do everything possible to reach as many Montanans as possible to get them affordable insurance by the Jan. 15 deadline."

In the past year, Montana has also seen a record enrollment in the marketplace. Of the Ravalli County residents who got health insurance on HealthCare.gov, 89% received tax credits to make their monthly premiums more affordable, and 32% qualified for plans costing $10 per month or less. For 2024, HealthCare.gov will have plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Mountain Health COOP, and PacificSource.

"For anyone who doesn't have health insurance coverage, now is the time to look at your options," Riutta said. "Cover Montana navigators are ready to answer questions about health insurance and provide free help so Montanans can find and enroll in a plan that meets their health needs and budget, including Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids."

Like most states, Montana reviewed their Medicaid caseloads after a three-year pause during the pandemic. This "unwinding" removed over 130,000 Montanans from Medicaid coverage. Approximately 63%, or 85,000, of these individuals lost coverage due to procedural and administrative hurdles according to statement released by Cover Montana, a project of the nonprofit Montana Primary Care Association. An additional 42,000 are no longer qualified for Medicaid because they have a higher income. However, they may be able to enroll in a marketplace plan and get financial help with premiums and out-of-pocket costs if eligible.

"We know that Montanans want health insurance coverage and to have the peace of mind knowing they can see a doctor if they get sick or injured," said Riutta. "But people are confused about what they qualify for, and Cover Montana is here to help get people the health care they need and can afford."

The Montana Primary Care Association is a navigator grantee serving the state of Montana. In September, they were awarded a five-year grant to continue their statewide work to help underserved communities, consumers, and uninsured Montanans find and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Through Cover Montana, Montanans can learn health insurance basics, fill out a calculator to see what they qualify for, and connect to an enrollment assister who can walk them through the application and enrollment process. Cover Montana navigators can provide phone and virtual assistance statewide through the Cover Montana Help Line: 406-634-3105 or 844-682-6837. In-person enrollment assistance is available in many areas, including Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Miles City. To find the navigator closest to you, visit covermt.org/find-local-help/.

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